Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with North Korean Leader - 2004-03-24

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has met with North Korean leader Kim Jong il for talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

North Korean state-run media report the two met today (Wednesday) at the North Korean state guest house in the capital. Further details were not released.

Mr. Li is in Pyongyang for talks expected to focus on persistent obstacles to a nuclear settlement. He met Tuesday with his North Korean counterpart, Paek Nam Sum.

Earlier, South Korea's foreign minister said he believes North Korea will continue to participate in six-nation talks on its nuclear ambitions.

Ban Ki-moon told reporters in Seoul that he is disappointed North Korea has opted to delay economic meetings between the Koreas. But he said that does not mean North Korea will boycott a planned third round of six-nation talks on the nuclear crisis.

Mr. Ban said he should know more about North Korea's position after he meets with Mr. Li next week in Beijing.

Information for this report is provided by AFP.