Lee calls on N. Korea to improve relations

SEOUL, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- South Korean President-elect Lee Myung-bak said Saturday North Korea would enjoy better international relations if it adopted open-door policies.

During a meeting in Seoul, Lee said South Korea also would stand to benefit if North Korea adopted a more open attitude regarding the international community, the Yonhap news agency reported.

"For the success of the Kaesong complex, stronger open-door policies by North Korea would benefit the country itself as well as us," the president-elect said.

During his meeting with former Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Lee also said South Korea would be approaching international relations from a position of peace and reconciliation.

Lee also offered thanks to the former Singaporean official and his country for officially recognizing South Korea was the true force behind products made in the North Korean border city of Kaesong.

Yonhap said Lee, who will officially take his post Monday, has earned a reputation in the international community for his tough stances regarding negotiations with North Korea.