U.S. President Bush to Visit Korea on November 17

Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Man-su announced yesterday that President Roh Moo-hyun and U.S. President George W. Bush will attend a summit meeting in Gyeongju City, North Gyeongsang Province, on November 17.

President Bush will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held on November 18 and 19 in Busan and attend a summit with President Roh on November 17.

The two leaders plan to discuss the common interests of both countries and important current affairs such as development plan of Korea-U.S. alliance, North Korea’s nuclear issues, and economic cooperation.

Spokesman Kim said that this meeting is expected to strengthen the friendship and confidence between the two leaders and is another important opportunity for Korea-U.S. relations to further develop into a comprehensive, dynamic, and reciprocal alliance through cooperation in various fields.

It is the first time for President Bush to visit Korea since Mr. Roh took office. It has been five months since Bush and Roh had a summit meeting in Washington in June, and this is the fifth summit since Roh took office.

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com