Major foreign media outlets swiftly reported President Lee Myung-bak's Sunday meeting with the North Korean condolence delegation which visited Seoul to pay respects to late President Kim Dae-jung.

The Associated Press (AP) on Sunday reported that North Korean delegates delivered Lee a verbal message from North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, calling it a signal of positive change in strained inter-Korean relations.

Reuters said the meeting is a sign that Pyongyang is finally coming out of its shell after UN sanctions deepened its isolation following its nuclear test and missile launches.

The New York Times also reported that North Korea has been showing a change in its position in recent weeks, saying the delegation's Seoul visit was Kim Jong-il's chance to approach the South.