President Roh Moo-hyun has declined North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's proposal that he extend his stay in Pyongyang for an extra day.

The president will return to Seoul Thursday as scheduled, wrapping up a three-day visit to the North Korean capital.

The two sides will issue a joint statement on the summit results Thursday morning.

The North Korean leader made the surprise proposal at the second round of summit talks with Mr. Roh on Wednesday afternoon.

The president initially avoided a direct answer, saying that he would discuss the matter with security and protocol aides.

He also told the North Korean leader that he can decide on big issues but not on what he described as "small issues."