North Korean leader Kim Jong-un greeted Moon Jae-in with hugs and smiles as the South Korean President arrived in Pyongyang for a third summit between the two, aimed at advancing faltering nuclear talks and officially ending the Korean War.

Hundreds of North Koreans wearing suits and traditional dresses also greeted Mr Moon, carrying flowers and waving national and unification flags.

A sign behind them read: "We ardently welcome President Moon Jae-in's visit to Pyongyang!"

Amid the pomp and smiles, Mr Moon will be looking to settle some lofty goals, including resolving deadlocked nuclear diplomacy, easing a military standoff and promoting peace on a peninsula many feared was close to war last year.

Mr Moon said ahead of his trip that he would push for "irreversible, permanent peace" and for better dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington during "heart-to-heart" talks with Mr Kim.

Mr Moon's chief of staff, however, played down the chance that Mr Moon's summit with Mr Kim would produce major progress in nuclear diplomacy.

BDST: 1058 HRS, SEPT 18, 2018
SI