The summit is also expected to discuss Russia’s position on the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in March, which Seoul and its allies believe was the result of a North Korean torpedo attack.

The North’s alleged move to return to the stalled six-party denuclearization talks, from which it withdrew in April last year after the United Nations slapped harsher sanctions on the communist country in response to its missile and nuclear tests, could be another major topic at their meeting, observers say.

Lee’s Russia trip comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reportedly backed the resumption of the nuclear talks during a visit to China.

Upon arrival in Moscow, President Lee will travel to the harbor city of Yaroslavl, about 250 kilometers northeast of the Russian capital city, for the summit with Medvedev on Sept. 10.

He will then deliver a keynote address on Korea’s economic growth and democracy at a global political forum, slated for Sept. 9 to 10 in Yaroslavl, according to the presidential office.

“Lee and Medvedev will discuss ways to deepen a strategic partnership between Seoul and Moscow as this year marks the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties,” the office said in a press release. “In the address, Lee will also call for closer economic cooperation and energy ties with Russia.”

Lee will participate in the political forum at the invitation of Medvedev.

Participants include Lee, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and American futurologist Alvin Toffler, Cheong Wa Dae said.

(Korea Times)

South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak