Trains crossed into the two Koreas’ heavily-fortified Demilitarised Zone today in the first rail journey through the border in more than 50 years.

North Korea's number two leader reiterated today his country's pledge to abandon its nuclear weapons, as the impoverished nation sought a resumption of aid at its first high-level talks with South Korea since conducting an atomic test.

South Korea today urged North Korea to resolve a stand-off over its nuclear ambitions, describing ongoing international nuclear disarmament talks in Beijing as a historic opportunity to end the dispute.

The Koreas were outlining agreements for aid and boosting cooperation at high-level talks scheduled to wrap up today, with the North Korean delegation also planning a rare meeting with South Korea’s president.

A high-level delegation from North Korea arrived in Seoul today for talks with the rival South in an atmosphere of optimism after North Korean leader Kim Jong-il pledged to seek reconciliation and hinted at a return soon to nuclear disarmament negotiations.