Washington, April 27:  Donald Trump's White House today voiced hope that a Korean summit would "achieve progress toward a future of peace," as the leaders of the two countries sat down to talk.

"We are hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula," the White House said in a statement.

"The United States appreciates the close coordination with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks." After shaking hands over the Military Demarcation Line dividing the two Koreas, Kim stepped over -- making him the first North Korean leader to enter the South since the Korean War ended in the armistice 65 years ago.

He and Moon Jae-in then momentarily stepped back over the line into the North, before setting off for their inter-Korean summit -- just the third of its kind since the war's end in 1953.

The encounter is intended to pave the way for a much-anticipated meeting between Kim and US President Trump.

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