President Roh Moo-hyun will hold summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Wednesday.

The two leaders will hold two sessions during the day on key inter-Korean issues, including the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and ways to promote economic cooperation.

Attention is being drawn to whether the summit talks will yield substantive agreements on such pending issues.

Later in the evening, Mr. Roh is scheduled to attend the Arirang Festival mass gymnastics performance before hosting a dinner where Kim is likely to be present.

Also on Wednesday, a special delegation accompanying the South Korean leader will hold talks with their North Korean counterparts on seven areas, including politics, economy, society and culture. The special entourage consists of 47 members, including six politicians, 17 businesspeople, 21 social and cultural figures and three women leaders.