North Korea’s reclusive leader Kim Jong-un has invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in to a landmark summit in Pyongyang “at the earliest date possible”, Seoul’s presidential palace said on Saturday.

The invitation was personally delivered by Kim’s younger sister Kim Yo-jong as she and North Korea’s ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong Nam, enjoyed kimchi and soju liquor at an unprecedented lunch meeting with the South Korean leader.

Mr Moon replied in a positive manner during talks that lasted close to three hours, despite warnings from Washington against falling for Pyongyang’s recent charm offensive.

“Let us make it happen by creating the necessary conditions in the future,” he was quoted by his spokesman as saying. “It is absolutely necessary for the North and the United States to engage in talks at an early date,” Mr Moon added.

The lunch event continued the outward display of unity - between two countries still technically at war - that had been on show at the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday evening.