President Putin told Mr Kim Dae-jung about the outcome of his recent visits and the G8 summit in Okinawa, which discussed the issue of inter-Korean settlement.
Russia expressed its support for the inter-Korean dialogue, and stressed the importance of extending trust between North and South Koreas.
President Putin stressed that the issue of inter-Korean settlement concerns primarily the Korean nation. The Russian President said the G8 leaders agreed on this subject, which was reflected in the summit’s final resolution on inter-Korean settlement.
“All countries interested in normal relations between the North and the South should provide their assistance. Our resolution, as well as our actions, including Russia’s, target this objective,” President Putin said.
The South Korean President thanked Mr Putin for his opinions and information.
The Presidents also discussed problems of bilateral relations and future contacts.
The conversation was held on Russia’s initiative.