Kim holds discussions with Putin, Mori

President Kim Dae-Jung discussed over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori on Aug. 1 issues of common interest, such as improvement in South-North Korea relations and other conditions surrounding the Korean Peninsula.

Kim expressed thanks to Putin for his support for inter-Korea dialogue, Chong Wa Dae spokesman Park Joon-Young said.

Putin explained to Kim North Korea`s position on long-range missile program which he confirmed during his recent visit and Russia`s appraisal of it. Kim also pledged to make efforts to further the good relationship between Korea and Russia.

In a following phone conversation, Kim congratulated Prime Minister Mori on the successful hosting of Group of Eight (G-8) summit as well as a meeting between foreign ministers of North Korea and Japan. In particular, Kim thanked Mori for leading the G-8 summit to adopt a resolution on the Korean Peninsula. Mori reportedly explained the results of North Korea-Japan foreign ministers` talks.