President Lee, King Gustaf agree to forge stronger ties

By Byun Duk-kun

SOLLIDEN PALACE, Sweden, July 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf agreed Sunday to strengthen bilateral ties between their countries, with Lee also asking for Sweden's support in persuading North Korea to halt its military provocations.

Lee and the Swedish King welcomed the fact that their countries celebrate this
year the 50th anniversary of forming diplomatic relations as they met here at the
summer home of the Swedish royal family, some 400 kilometers south of Stockholm.
The South Korean president arrived in the capital on Saturday for a three-day
visit. He will hold a summit with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt before
heading home Monday.
"President Lee noted that the Swedish king has greatly helped improve the
relationship between their countries through his five visits to South Korea and
asked the royal couple to continue their interest in strengthening the
cooperative relationship," Seoul's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said in a
press release.
Lee and King Gustaf last met in April 2008 during the latter's unofficial visit
to Seoul as the head of the World Scout Foundation.
The South Korean leader also asked for Sweden's efforts to help persuade North
Korea to immediately halt its military threats and return to international
dialogue, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
North Korea vowed in April that it would no longer take part in the six-nation
talks on ending its nuclear program. The negotiations also include South Korea,
the United States, Japan, China and Russia.
The North conducted its second atomic test on May 25, prompting a U.N. Security
Council to strengthen sanctions against the isolated state.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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