The President asked leaders for their active cooperation for the G20 Seoul Summit, slated to take place next month, in his speech of the opening ceremony of the ASEM meeting.
Earlier that day, the President held summit meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Kan Naoto and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, both of whom agreed to closely cooperate to ensure a successful G20 Seoul Summit.
The president also met Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Nicholas Clegg, and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including the economy and trade. They also agreed to make efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment upon signing of the Korea-EU free trade agreement (FTA).
In his speech at the ASEM opening ceremony, the President stressed the need for cooperation at ASEM and the G20 Seoul Summit in order to achieve balanced growth for the world economy and improved quality of life for all.
At a luncheon after the first ASEM session, the President expressed his opinions to ASEM leaders on economic recovery measures, ways to boost the world economy, building financial security network, reform of international financial organizations and cooperation between the G20 and ASEM.
The President will attend the second day of the ASEM on Oct. 5 where he will seek international support and cooperation for the G20 Seoul Summit and the South Korean government's North Korean policies.
He will also hold summit talks with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to discuss measures to enhance bilateral cooperation between Seoul and Beijing in regard to areas of mutual interest including currency issues.
Later that day, the President will hold summit talks with Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme and King Albert II of Belgium to discuss substantial measures to expand bilateral cooperation on economy, trade, and so on.
source: Cheongwadae
