Summit between President Roh and Prime Minister Tony Blair Today

On his tour of three European nations, President Roh attended an official reception and a luncheon sponsored by British Queen Elizabeth II in London, United Kingdom December 1 (local time), the first country of the tour, and began his three-day visit as a national guest.

The first-ever Korean president visiting Britain as a national guest, President Roh inspected the Royal Honor Guard at the Horse Guards during the official reception sponsored by the British royal house. Afterwards, President Roh rode on the first Royal Carriage with Queen Elizabeth II and went to Buckingham Palace, saluted with 41 guns.

Following the honorable treatment by the British royal house, President Roh and the first lady will be staying in the “18th Century Room” for two nights.

Right after sponsoring the luncheon, Queen Elizabeth II presented President Roh with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB), the most honorable order awarded to foreign sovereigns. President Roh requested to Queen Elizabeth II, “Please revisit Korea in the near future.”

President Roh will have a summit with British Prime Minister Tony Blair this morning and discuss the North Korea nuclear issue, the Iraq issue, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com