S. Korean president-elect eyes energy deal with Russia
President-elect Lee Myung-bak expressed strong interest Friday in jointly developing energy resources in Russia`s resource-rich Siberia with the help of North Korean labor.
Lee told Russian Ambassador Gleb Ivashentsov that he would make a massive development project there a priority after taking office in February.
"It would be beneficial for both countries if Russia and South Korea work together to develop East Siberia," Lee told the Russian envoy during a congratulatory visit, according to Lee`s office.
"I want to start the project early after my inauguration. As Russia has energy resources South Korea needs, and there are other mutually necessary projects, I want to forge cooperative relations with Russia," Lee said.
Ivashentsov gave Lee a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the Russian leader congratulated Lee and invited him to Moscow, expressing hope for stronger relations between the two countries during Lee`s term.
Lee, a former star CEO of the conglomerate Hyundai Group, won Wednesday`s election by a landslide on a wave of discontent for incumbent President Roh Moo-hyun, who was criticized for the country`s slowing economy.
Lee has made the issue a priority and one of the first things he said after his win was that "reviving the economy" would be his highest priority.
Later Friday, Lee met with Chinese Ambassador Ning Fukui, thanking Beijing for its efforts to resolve the standoff over North Korea`s nuclear weapons programs.
"For North Korea to give up its nuclear programs is the way for it to maintain its system and improve the livelihood of its people," Lee told Ning. "I`m grateful that China thinks the same way as us about nuclear abandonment."
The Chinese envoy also delivered a letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao expressing hope for further boosting the countries` relations. Lee said he totally agrees with Hu and noted China is the South`s No. 1 trade partner.
In one of his first contacts with other world leaders, Lee spoke Thursday night by phone with U.S. President George W. Bush, and agreed to work together to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and to strengthen the alliance.
The North this year began disabling its main nuclear facility under an international accord with the U.S. and other regional powers - the first time Pyongyang has scaled back its development of atomic weapons. North Korea has promised to declare by the end of the year all its nuclear programs that will be eventually dismantled.
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