Putin Adds a Day To Stay in SeoulPresident Vladimir Putin of Russia has added a day to his first trip to the Republic of Korea(ROK), the ROK presidential spokesman said Sunday.He will arrive Monday, a day earlier than originally planned, prolonging the two-day visit to three. "Mr. Putin was to arrive in Seoul on Tuesday to hold summit talks with President Kim Dae-jung on the same day. However, his trip has been extended on the request by the Russian government so that they can prepare for a sincere dialogue," said Park Joon-young, presidential spokesman. The two presidents will be holding in-depth discussions on inter-Korean rapprochement, including the pending visit by DPRK leader Kim Jong-il, and economic cooperation, officials said. Mr. Putin, who visited DPRK last year, is seeking an active role in reconciliation between Seoul and Pyongyang. Dominating the summit meeting will be inter-Korean relations and economic cooperation among Seoul, Pyongyang and Moscow. Russia has stated clearly its interest in linking the inter-Korean Kyongwon railway to the Trans-Siberian Railroad. |
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