In pictures: Mrs Albright's visit

North Korea is taking the first steps towards a new era after five decades of hostility, with a visit by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

A smiling Kim Jong-il said he was "really happy" to meet a US official for the first time

But the two looked tense during the official photocall

Mrs Albright delighted children by joining in their dance at a welcome ceremony

The US guest was taken along largely deserted streets on a tour of the capital

Sailors performed a dance routine with flags for the North Korean leader and Mrs Albright at a stadium in Pyongyang

Thousands of dancers celebrated the US secretary of state's visit

Across the border in South Korea broadcasters broke into their schedules to show live pictures of Mrs Albright's historic visi