Russian President Begins State Visit to S. Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived here Monday night for a three-day state visit.

Tuesday afternoon, Putin will hold a summit with his South Korean counterpart Kim Dae-jung to strengthen Russia's role as a mediator between the two sides on the Korean peninsula, said South Korean officials.

At the forthcoming summit, Putin and Kim will discuss issues on peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia and economic cooperation, including a project to connect an inter- Korean railroad to Russia's Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Also on the agenda of the summit will be the discussion of U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed national missile defense system.

Before the summit, Putin will pay his respect at the South Korean National Cemetery and attend a luncheon hosted by leading Korean businessmen.

After the summit, he will attend a state dinner held by President Kim.

Before leaving South Korea for Hanoi Wednesday afternoon, the Russian president is scheduled to give a speech at the South Korean National Assembly, or parliament.

He is also to meet South Korean Prime Minister Lee Han-dong and opposition Grand National Party President Lee Hoi-chang and will present awards to South Koreans who have worked for improvement of bilateral relations between Russia and South Korea.

Putin Pledges to Help Solve Korean Peninsula Issue

Russia will do its best to help solve the Korean Peninsula issue, said Russian President Vladimir Putin before his visit to South Korea, the Itar-Tass news agency reported Monday.

During last Saturday's interview with South Korea's MBC and KBS television channels, Putin praised the leaders of both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and South Korea for their great efforts to normalize bilateral relations.

As a neighbor that has traditional friendly ties with both Pyongyang and Seoul, Russia "can and must make a positive contribution to the process," Putin said.

Russia is willing to make joint efforts, including those on a multilateral basis, to bring the two sides closer, he added.

Commenting his trip to Pyongyang last year, Putin said "both Russia and the international community needed" that visit.

"I am sure the international community would not like to see the isolation of any country...That is good for no one," he said.

Putin left for Seoul early Monday for a two-day official visit. He is scheduled to talk with South Korean President Jim Dae-jung and other political figures on international affairs and economic cooperation.

Putin will also meet leading South Korean businessmen during his stay there.






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