President Roh Moo-hyun has stressed the importance of a strong economy in a dinner meeting with top business leaders currently accompanying him on his official visit to Russia.

During the meeting Monday, Roh said if South Korean businesses reaped remarkable achievements, the nation's economy would become stronger, thereby fostering sound politics.

Roh expressed high regard for the business sector's commitment to the nation, saying he felt overwhelming pride in seeing billboards advertising major Korean firms along the streets of Moscow.

Among the participants of the dinner meeting were Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, LG Chairman Koo Bon-moo and Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo.