North Korean media is providing detailed coverage of inter-Korean celebrations underway in Pyongyang to mark the fifth anniversary of the historic 2000 summit between the two Koreas.

The North's Korea Central TV aired a special program on Tuesday's opening ceremony and comments by chief delegates.

The Korean Central News Agency aired a summary of speeches by the North's preparatory committee chairman Paik Nak-chung, South Korean counterpart Ahn Kyung-ho and the vice chairman of the North's parliament Yang Hyung-seob in the opening ceremony at Kim Il Sung Stadium.

Yang said the gathering of Korean representatives from the civic and state sectors irrespective of ideology, religion and political stance is a step towards reunification.

North Korea media also covered speeches by South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and North Korean Premier Pak Pong-ju, who hosted a welcoming dinner at Mansudae Art Theater.

The four-day event will end Friday.