S. Korean president to celebrate 68th birthday in air

By Byun Duk-kun
COPENHAGEN, Dec. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is set for a
rare treat this week as he prepares to celebrate his 68th birthday on a return
flight home from the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen, officials
accompanying the president said Friday.
Lee was set to head home later Friday after the conclusion of a summit attended
by the leaders of more than 100 countries.
The head of state will be a year older when he arrives in Seoul early Saturday
(Seoul time), according to the officials.
"We will hold a small party for President Lee on board our return flight," an
official said, adding a small gift will also be presented to the president.
Lee's attendance at the U.N. climate summit was decided at the last minute, but
the officials noted that celebrating his birthday while abroad had been
anticipated since Lee's inauguration early last year.
Lee's visit here marked the last of the president's 12 trips to 17 countries this
year that kept him airborne for over 210 hours in total, according to the
officials.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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