The nation's chief envoy to the six-party nuclear talks is representing the Foreign Ministry on an inter-ministerial body that will help prepare the summit between President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il later this month.

The preparatory group, which met for the first time Thursday afternoon, consists of fourteen senior government officials from ministries concerned.

The participation of nuclear negotiator Chun Yung-woo has drawn attention, as the North Korean nuclear issue is cited as one of the summit's top agenda items. In particular, the international community is expecting the high-level meeting to lead to progress in the six-party talks.

Chun is also expected to play a significant role in exchanging information with six-party talks participants and ensuring the inclusion of the North's denuclearization in the summit agenda.