The President upon his meeting with Swedish parliamentary speaker Per Westerberg on Monday, July 13 (local time) discussed the Korea-EU free trade agreement and North Korea''s nuclear issue.

Both leaders, welcoming the conclusion of the Korea-EU FTA, agreed that it should be used as momentum to further solidify the partnership between Korea and the EU nations.

Regarding the latest developments on inter-Korean relations and South Korea''s policy towards the North, President Lee conveyed his resolve to realize bilateral ties based on peace and harmony between the two Koreas, through denuclearization of the North.

Westerberg, showing concern about North Korea''s recent nuclear test and missile launch, expressed Sweden''s bipartisan support toward Seoul''s North Korea policy.

Westerberg also added that the international community must be united in dealing with proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, President Lee also held talks with CEOs from both Korea and Sweden at the downtown Grand Hotel. In his speech, Lee stressed the importance of economic cooperation in fields like automobiles, IT and energy.