The talks, which are set to start Sunday afternoon at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel and conclude on Tuesday, are the first high-level contacts between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun took office on Feb. 25. The two sides will discuss the nuclear issue, economic cooperation and the inter-Korean reconciliation process among other issues.

Stepping down from a small chartered Asiana plane, Jeong was greeted by DPRK officials at Pyongyang's Sun An International Airport.

Two DPRK health workers carried out medical examinations for the South Korean delegates and journalists, in line with the country's efforts to curb the epidemic severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

The DPRK has stepped up surveillance over the possible SARS infection since Monday, including the compulsory medical examinations for all travelers at its customs.

Kim Ryong Song, DPRK's cabinet chief councilor as well as head of the DPRK delegation to the talks, had a brief talk with Jeong in a relaxed and humorous atmosphere at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel.

"You are the first South Korean delegation to visit Pyongyang since the new (South Korean) administration was inaugurated," Kim said, adding that the new round of ministerial talks will discuss "the issues of common concern."

Jeong said that "I hope the three-day talks will help promote the development of inter-Korean relations toward a bright future."

The 9th ministerial talks took place in Seoul in late January, during which the two sides reached a common understanding of the need to settle the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through a peaceful way.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2003)