Ruling party leader to visit U.S. next week

SEOUL, July 13 (Yonhap) -- The head of the ruling Saenuri Party said Monday he will visit the United States next week to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "I have set a schedule to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon," Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung said at a press conference, without giving details about the date. Kim said he will leave for Washington next Saturday and his itinerary will also include New York and Los Angeles. "The U.S. is the most important ally to us," Kim said, adding he will also meet with congressional leaders there to enhance bilateral ties. The ruling party chief is also expected to meet with senior officials of the Barack Obama administration. It marks the second overseas trip by Kim since taking office last year. Kim traveled to China in October. Kim said he had originally planned to visit the U.S. earlier but rescheduled since the U.S. Congress is in session starting at the end of July. khj@yna.co.kr (END)