Lee, Hu to Hold Summit Today
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak will discuss ways of ending North Korea's nuclear programs and expanding economic and cultural ties with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao at a summit today.
China's state-controlled Xinhua media group reported that Lee and Hu will set the direction and goals of Seoul-Beijing relations at their third summit.
The two met first in May in Beijing and agreed to upgrade the bilateral relations to a ``strategic cooperative partnership.''
Lee also visited Beijing for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and held talks with Hu.
In the third summit, the two leaders will discuss ways of expanding ties in trade and the business sector, and humanitarian and cultural exchange programs.
A source from Cheong Wa Dae said that Lee will present Seoul's North Korea policy to the Chinese leader so that Beijing will be encouraged to play a constructive role in resolving any issues.
Lee and Hu are also expected to review the need for a possible free trade agreement.
China has been South Korea's largest trade partner since 2002.
After the summit, a joint declaration is expected to be made.
The strategic cooperative relations and specific ways of upgrading bilateral cooperation are likely to be outlined in the declaration.
Hu is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o Tuesday before leaving Seoul.