The U.S. stations 28,000 troops in the South to deter any repeat of the North’s 1950 invasion. But a six-party pact envisages normalized diplomatic relations, a formal peace pact and major economic aid if the communist state gives up all its nuclear weapons and related material.

Buoyed by his party’s general election victory last week, Lee hopes to have the free trade agreement (FTA) ratified soon in his country’s legislature. The agreement will face a far rougher ride in the U.S. Congress.

Senior Congress members say it does too little to free up the auto trade. They also demand that Seoul lift restrictions on the import of U.S. beef —- seen as disguised protectionism — as a condition for progress on the trade pact.

otal trade is worth an annual US$80 billion and some studies show this could eventually rise by up to US$20 billion under a free trade regime.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss a U.S. request that Seoul send a 200-300-strong provincial reconstruction team to Afghanistan and a small police force to train local officers, according to media reports.

Before the summit, Lee will visit the New York Stock Exchange, attend an investor relations session and meet U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and U.S. lawmakers.

Lee will visit Japan on April 20 to 21 for talks with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

He will also meet Emperor Akihito and appear on a TV talk show with Japanese youngsters. He and Fukuda had what Tokyo called a “very warm and friendly meeting” on Lee’s inauguration day, Feb. 25.

The South Korean leader wants to ease relations with Japan, with ties no longer tainted by bitter memories of its 1910-1945 colonial rule over Korea.

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