North Korean Delegation Honors Kim Dae-jung
2009-8-21 11:0
Senior North Korean officials sent by communist leader Kim Jong-il arrived in South Korea on Friday the 21st to mourn former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.
The delegation headed by Kim Jong-il’s close aide, Kim Ki-nam, presented a flower wreath signed by the North's leader which reads: "Mourning the late president Kim Dae-jung."
They then performed a ritual in front of the altar to Kim Dae-jung, bowing their heads in respect as South Korean unification ministry officials and the late president's former aides looked on.
The delegation also met with one of Kim Dae-jung's sons to express condolences on behalf of the North. Kim Jong-il had earlier sent a message of condolence to the former president's family, praising his efforts to reunite the two Koreas.
It is the first high-level visit by North Korean officials to the South in almost two years.
They are expected to meet officials close to the former president but will steer clear of the current government.
