President-elect Roh Moo-hyun has accepted US President George W. Bush's invitation to visit the United States at an early date after his inauguration in late February. According to Roh's spokesman Lee Nak-yon, the exchange occurred over a telephone conversation that lasted for about 12 minutes. Lee said President Bush called Roh at his party headquarters on Friday and congratulated him.

The two discussed topics of mutual concern and agreed to boost bilateral relations and work for a peaceful solution to the North's nuclear issue. They also decided to exchange high-level envoys before Roh embarks on his first-ever trip to the US next year.

(Arirang TV)