US President George W. Bush on Tuesday called South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi separately to exchange views on how to deal with the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the White House said.
Spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters that Bush and Roh "exchanged views on last week's talks in Beijing and agreed to continue pressing for the irreversible and verifiable elimination of North Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear weapons program."
Fleischer said Bush reiterated his intention to resolve the issue peacefully, and also to include South Korea and Japan fully in the diplomatic efforts.
The two leaders also agreed to continue their discussions on the DPRK situation and other topics when they meet in Washington on May 14 as previously announced, the spokesman said.
As to the phone conversation between Bush and Koizumi, Fleischer said both leaders also exchanged views on the Beijing talks held among China, the United States and the DPRK.
"The two leaders agreed that they will continue their discussions and consultations as we work very closely with our good friends and allies in the region on this matter," Fleischer said.
Like Roh, Koizumi will also visit Washington for talks with Bush in May.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)
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