By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
President Roh Moo-hyun's last event in Pyongyang for the inter-Korean summit _ a farewell ceremony _ was held Thursday with thousands of Pyongyang residents cheering.
Roh and first lady Kwon Yang-suk arrived in front of the People's Palace of Culture around 4:50 p.m. for the ceremony. Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the North's Supreme People's Assembly who first welcomed Roh at the entrance of Pyongyang, sent him off on behalf of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
The president shook hands with a dozen North Korean officials and he and the first lady received flower bouquets from North Korean women.
Before leaving Pyongyang, Roh made a historic declaration on peace and prosperity with the North's leader Kim.
Kim arrived around 1 p.m. Thursday at the Baekhwawon State Guesthouse where Roh stayed during the three-day summit for the joint declaration signing ceremony.
After brief greetings, the two entered the signing venue. There was no hesitation in them signing the declaration, as working-level officials had ironed out details of the agreement in advance.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Kwon O-kyu, Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung, National Intelligence Service Director Kim Man-bok, and Chief Presidential Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy Baek Jong-chun.
From the North, the United Front Department of Workers' Party Director Kim Yang-gon, Prime Minister Kim Yong-il, and North Korean People's Armed Forces Minister Kim Il-chol stood behind their leader Kim.
After signing, Roh and Kim exchanged the declaration and shook hands, raising hands together for the cameras. They also drank a toast using champagne.
They then went to the luncheon venue in the guesthouse.
When Roh was seated at the table, Kim told Roh that former President Kim Dae-jung had taken the same seat at the first inter-Korean summit in 2000. He also selected the wine for a toast.
The North's Kim Yong-il proposed a toast, saying he congratulated the historic declaration made by the two leaders. ``The summit confirmed there's nothing we cannot achieve if the two Koreas join hands. Let's drink to the health of Roh, first lady Kwon Yang-suk and chairman Kim,'' he said.
The South's Unification Minister Lee answered the toast. ``The two leaders have drawn a significant agreement. The two Koreas understand each other well as they have the same language and similar culture, so we need to meet more often,'' Lee said.
Roh, Kim and other officials at the table clinked glasses. Kim then bottomed his glass as he had at the first inter-Korean summit with then President Kim, while Roh left some in his glass. They then enjoyed the luncheon organized by Kim.