The two heads of state also agreed to sign a strategic economic complementation agreement (SECA) as soon as possible to facilitate trade and investment between the two nations. A SECA is less extensive than a free trade agreement and requires tariffs on particular items to be lifted through negotiations. Mexico has an FTA with Japan but is reluctant to form one with Korea because it worries it would increase its trade deficit.

On Saturdayy, Roh visited a Korean products exhibition at the World Trade Center in Mexico City, where he met with the IOC representative for Cuba Reynaldo Gonzales.

Wrapping up his three-day visit to Mexico, Roh was to arrive in Costa Rica’s capital San Jose on Monday morning. He will meet there with the leaders of four Central and South American nations -- Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador -- to discuss ways of improving ties.

(englishnews@chosun.com )