South Korea and the United States have agreed to speed up the provision of heavy fuel and other incentives to North Korea that were agreed upon in a multilateral pact to push forward with Pyongyang’s denuclearization.

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesman Chun Ho-sun said President Roh Moo-hyun discussed the issue with U.S. President George W. Bush over the phone Sunday on his way to Guatemala. He said the two presidents welcomed the resolution of the North Korean funds transfer issue and also the move to resume the six party talks.

Mr. Roh and Mr. Bush agreed to work together for the swift implementation of a recently signed bilateral free trade agreement so, despite the grueling negotiation process, people from both countries can start to benefit from it.

Mr. Bush said he hopes the best for South Korea in its bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, which will be decided in Guatemala by the International Olympics Committee, and invited President Roh to visit the U.S. this fall.