President Roh Moo-hyun arrived in Pyongyang Tuesday morning, and was greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il at a welcome ceremony held at the April 25th House of Culture.

At the ceremony, the president delivered an address to the North Korean people, saying that the two Koreas are moving along a new path of reconciliation and cooperation.

Mr. Roh promised that he would approach his summit talks with the North Korean leader in a sincere manner, saying that permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula is what's most important.

He added that he was deeply impressed by the warm, hearty welcome he received from the North Korean people and the citizens of Pyongyang.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Roh became the first South Korean leader ever to walk across the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas. The president and the first lady walked across the border shortly after nine a.m. Tuesday morning, about one hour after they left the presidential office by motorcade.