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Meeting an Old Enemy

Madeleine Albright and North Korea's leader, Kim Jong II, share a toast during dinner.

For U.S. leaders, North Korea had long been a forbidden land. No high-ranking U.S. official had ever set foot on North Korean soil. But last week Secretary of State Madeleine Albright paid a historic two-day visit. She dined with leader Kim Jong Il and attended a huge rally.

U.S. relations with North Korea have been strained ever since the communist North invaded democratic South Korea in 1950. American soldiers helped South Korea fight the invasion.

Last week Albright watched as tens of thousands of performers showed their devotion to their leader and pride in their military. Although it is a poor country, North Korea has the world’s fourth largest army.

The U.S. wants North Korea to stop building missiles that can travel long distances. In their talks, Kim told Albright that his country would "work toward restraint" in its missile program.

Most North Koreans know very little about the U.S. But Kim owns a satellite dish and watches American TV shows. He is a big fan of basketball star Michael Jordan. Albright presented Kim with a basketball signed by Jordan.

Will relations between the U.S. and North Korea continue to improve? The ball is now in Kim’s court.

Next: It’s a Whole New Game