Goyang, South Korea, Apr 27 (IANS): South Korean President Moon Jae-in greeted Kim Jong Un, top leader of North Korea on Friday and become the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea by crossing the military line that has divided the peninsula since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

Smiling and waving, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Kim at the border before talks begin, BBC reported.

At the summit venue, Kim said that he hoped for frank discussions. The historic meeting will focus on the North's recent indications it could be willing to give up its nuclear weapons.

In a moment rich with symbolism, Kim and Moon shook hands on both sides of the border in the demilitarised zone.

The South Korean President briefly stepped into the border into North Korea as well - an unexpected moment. "I am happy to meet you," Moon told Kim, reports say.

The leaders were met by an honour guard in traditional costume on the South Korean side. The pair walked to the at the Peace House in Panmunjom, a military compound in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the two countries, to begin talks.