TOKYO, July 13 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will travel to South Korea to meet President Roh Moo-hyun on July 21-22, a Japanese official said Tuesday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said the leaders would meet at the southern island of Cheju. They will discuss bilateral cooperation and issues concerning peace and stability in Northeast Asia, including policies regarding North Korea, he said.
Hosoda referred to Japan's concern about South Korea's seemingly tolerant attitude toward North Korea's nuclear development program. "We need to clarify (South Korea's) real intention on the issue," he added.
The summit comes against the backdrop of the ongoing six-party talks on North Korea, the abduction cases of Japanese nationals by North Korea, and negotiations on a free trade agreement between Japan and South Korea.
The two leaders last met in October during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference in Bangkok.
