WASHINGTON: US House Speaker John Boehner said Friday that he had invited South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak to address a joint session of Congress during his state visit next week.
US President Barack Obama will host Lee for talks and a state dinner on October 13 -- a visit that will showcase the solidarity between Washington and Seoul on confronting the nuclear threat posed by communist North Korea.
"The Republic of Korea has been a strong ally and partner in promoting democracy, advancing economic freedom, and combating nuclear proliferation," Boehner said in a statement.
"It would be an honor to have President Lee, a steadfast friend of the American people, address the United States Congress," he added.
The White House has been especially keen to get the trade deal with Seoul endorsed before Lee's state visit.
The pact was signed in 2007 but has yet to be ratified by the legislatures of the two countries.
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