Moon-Kim meeting begins with denuclearization high on agenda

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The first round of summit talks between Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un has ended after nearly two hours. They are expected to continue their dialogue in the afternoon.

The first inter-Korean summit in over a decade started at the Peace House on the Republic of Korea's (ROK) side of Panmunjom on Friday morning.

At the opening remarks, Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), said that the DPRK hopes to hold "frank" discussions on current issues at the summit.

ROK President Moon Jae-in also hailed Kim's visit, saying it makes Panmunjom a symbol of peace, not division.

"Today, rather than create results we won't be able to carry out like in the past, we should make good results by talking frankly about current issues, issues of interest," Kim said.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and ROK President Moon Jae-in look at a painting of Mount Kumgang at the truce village of Panmunjom, in this still frame taken from a video on April 27, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Moon Jae-in also told Kim Jong Un that he hoped to see a "bold agreement" as they began their summit on Friday. "I hope we engage in frank talks and reach a bold agreement so that we may give a big gift to the whole Korean people and the people who want peace," Moon said.

"I hope we will be able to talk frankly and come to an agreement to give a big present for the Koreans and the people around the world who wish for peace," Moon said.

Kim Jong Un is accompanied by a nine-member delegation which includes Kim's younger sister Kim Yo Jong and Kim Yong Nam, the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of DPRK.

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Earlier, the Seoul government said denuclearization and peace on the peninsula will top the agenda.

Pyongyang also said last week that it’s willing to halt all intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear tests and shut down the nuclear test site.

The two countries expect to release a joint statement late on Friday, which is expected to be called the Panmunjom Declaration, that could address denuclearisation, peace and the improvement in relations, ROK officials said.