President Roh Moo-hyun has asked a North Korean envoy to convey the message that he is sincere in handling inter-Korean affairs and in his approach to North Korea.

According to presidential spokesman Yoon Seung-yong, President Roh asked North Korea's Ambassador to Kuwait Ho Jong to convey the message to the leadership in Pyongyang.

Mr. Roh, who is in Kuwait on a state visit, made the request when the North Korean envoy introduced himself at a dinner hosted by Kuwaiti leader Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The North Korean diplomat responded by expressing his appreciation and his hope that the South’s engagement policy toward the North would bear fruit.