President Lee Myung-bak encountered North Korea's ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam, on Friday during an Olympic welcoming luncheon hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing.

Presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said he shook hands with Kim before sitting at the same table for the luncheon.

It was the first time for Lee to meet Kim.

Cheong Wa Dae said while Beijing was initially believed to have arranged seats for them at separate tables, it had to seat them at the same table due to difficulties in making rearrangements.

Mr. Lee greeted Chinese President Hu and U.S. President George W. Bush before entering the luncheon.

Mr. Lee is scheduled to hold summits with the leaders of Turkmenistan and Algeria after the luncheon to discuss energy cooperation before attending the Olympic opening ceremony.