Bush Likely to Ask President-Elect Lee to Visit U.S.

According to Washington sources on Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to give a call to Korea’s president-elect Lee Myung-bak to celebrate his victory and suggest a meeting to discuss pending issues, such as North Korea’s nuclear weapons, in the near term.

In the call to be made late on December 20, President Bush is likely to reiterate his determination to do away with North Korea’s nuclear program and express his hopes of cooperation with the next Korean government.

Bush could ask Lee to visit the U.S. in the near term, and is likely to express the U.S. government’s determination to ratify the free trade agreement between the two nations and strengthen bilateral alliance.

Sources closely related to the White House said, “President Bush agreed to have an unofficial meeting with Lee Myung-bak in October 2007.” However, the meeting was canceled due to earlier-than-expected announcement of the meeting by Lee Myung-bak.

sechepa@donga.com