By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Moscow on May 9 on the sidelines of some World War II victory celebrations, Chong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Man-soo said Friday.



``The two heads of state will discuss issues of mutual concern, including the standing impasse over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program,’’ Kim said during a media briefing.

Roh and Hu are expected to focus on ways of inducing North Korea to return to the six-party negotiations composed of the Untied States, China, Japan, Russia and the two Koreas.

``Roh will call on China to continue to play a constructive role in persuading the North to return to the multilateral talks,’’ a Chong Wa Dae official said.

China has hosted the previous three rounds of talks in Beijing, which have stalled as North Korea has continued to boycott the fourth one, citing the U.S. hostile attitude toward the reclusive nation.

There has been speculation that Hu will visit North Korea in the near future in a bid to revive the six-way talks.

South Korea and the United States have also sought summit talks between Roh and President George W. Bush to find a solution to the nuclear standoff.

Officials from both sides reached agreement on holding the Roh-Hu summit, as it will help solidify the alliance between the two nations.

Spokesman Kim, however, said the two nations have yet to come up with details regarding the summit.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr