Foreign minister may visit U.S. in April

Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Han Seung-Soo plans to visit the United States at an early date, a ministry official disclosed Thursday. The official said that when Minister Han visits Washington, he would meet with not only U.S. government officials but also congressional leaders, journalists, academics and business leaders there and explain the government position on the outstanding issues of concern between the two countries, including inter-Korean relations. Meeting with reporters, the minister acknowledged that he is considering a U.S. visit before the George W. Bush administration finalizes its North Korea policies.

Boo Hyung-Kwon bookum90@donga.com