The President who arrived in New York Sunday, Sep. 20 (local time), met with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the latter''s office.

Over dinner the two leaders shared their thoughts on bilateral cooperation plans between the Republic of Korea and the United Nations, including those for economic recovery and eco-friendly industrial development.

Later in the day, the President is scheduled to have an interview with the New York Times and meet Secretary General Ban again at the UN headquarters for a formal meeting.

Meanwhile, on Sunday morning in Seoul, President Lee said in a pre-recorded radio address that he would try his best to advance the welfare of the working class, especially through a recently launched microfinance program.

"The new program is intended to provide low-interest loans to those who are struggling to achieve financial independence," said the President.

The government places top priority on policies aimed at creating more jobs and helping out those who are in desperate need, and the new microcredit program has been devised in a bid to give support to low-income families, he further explained.

Separately, President Lee is scheduled to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sep. 23 (New York time) for a bilateral summit.