Lee’s top diplomatic priority is the advancement of an alliance dating back to the 1950-53 Korean War, according to a government briefing paper, which terms it the “bedrock for peace and prosperity” in Korea and the region.

“We want to broaden the scope, depth and horizon of relations. We have high expectations for the visit,” a senior Seoul presidential official told reporters last week. “The summit will be as informal as possible,” he said, with the two leaders arriving by golf buggy and shedding neckties to engage in “heart-to-heart talks” and develop their relationship.

Lee said Sunday his visits to the U.S. and then Japan “will be a first step toward the pragmatism in diplomacy that the new government pursues.” He said he would hold talks on ways to further strengthen the relationship with traditional allies and promote regional peace, adding that he plans soon to visit China and Russia also.

Lee’s liberal predecessor Roh Moo-Hyun signed a sweeping free trade agreement with the United States and sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. But the former human rights lawyer and Bush often looked uneasy in each other’s company. Lee, who will bring a wedding gift for Bush’s daughter, Jenna, “will be much more welcome than his predecessor,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

He noted some past difficulties over the best way to handle North Korea. Bush’s initial hardline stance alarmed Seoul, while U.S. officials privately expressed unease at some aspects of Roh’s “sunshine” engagement policy with the North. Lee wants Bush’s backing for his policy of linking major economic aid to progress on nuclear disarmament, a stance which has prompted a volley of personalized insults from Pyongyang.

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