ID :
28931
Fri, 11/07/2008 - 17:43
Auther :

Lee, Obama agree to strengthen alliance in phone talks

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from 3rd para)
By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama on Friday agreed on the need to further reinforce
the two countries bilateral alliance and to closely cooperate in addressing the
global financial crisis and North Korean nuclear issue, Lee's spokesman said.

Lee and Obama discussed these issues during a telephone conversation held early
Friday morning (Korean time), said presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan.
President Lee and Obama shared the view that a stronger alliance between South
Korea and the U.S. would promote Asian peace and stability, according to the
spokesman.
The two leaders also agreed to meet in the nearest possible future, raising
speculation that they may hold one-on-one talks on the sidelines of the Group of
20 financial summit slated for Nov. 15 in Washington D.C.
Lee will travel to the U.S. later this month to attend the Group of 20 summit,
while Obama's attendance has yet to be confirmed.
"Obama called Lee at 7:17 a.m. and they spoke mostly about the South Korea-U.S.
alliance and Asian security issues for about 10 minutes. Most of their
conversation was conducted without an interpreter," said the spokesman.
"Obama emphasized the need to further strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance
and noted their closer relations will be a cornerstone for peace and stability in
Asia. Obama went on to show his friendly feeling towards Korea, calling himself a
great admirer of South Korea and its people," the spokesman said.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)

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