Undated pictures of journalists Laura Ling (L) and Euna Lee are displayed during a public vigil in San Francisco, California, June 24, 2009. [Xinhua via agencies]

According to a report by the DPRK's official central television on Tuesday, Kim expressed thanks and welcomed Clinton's visit to the DPRK, and "had an exhaustive conversation with him (Clinton)" during their meeting.

The DPRK leader also hosted a welcome dinner for Clinton at the Paekhwawon State Guest House on Tuesday evening, which "proceeded in a cordial atmosphere," it added.

DPRK First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok Ju and Department Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party Kim Yang Gon also attended the talks.

Clinton arrived in Pyongyang at noon on Tuesday. He was greeted by Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, who also saw him off Wednesday morning.

Clinton did not answer any questions asked by reporters and left the airport immediately after his arrival. The DPRK had toughened security for Clinton's arrival, with policemen blocking the road 8 km away from the airport.

Pyongyang has no diplomatic relations with Washington. Clinton is the highest-level American to visit the DPRK after Clinton's own Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Kim Jong Il in 2000.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK hinted in late July that the country might hold one-on-one talks with the United States, while ruling out the possibility of returning to the six- party talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear programs.

The White House declined to make comment on Clinton's surprise visit to Pyongyang, saying it was a "solely private" mission to secure the release of the two American journalists. Nor did it confirm that Clinton carried a message from Obama.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2009)