President Roh Moo-hyun says the inter-Korean summit that begins Tuesday will smooth relations between the two Koreas while paving the way for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

In a phone conversation Monday with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the president said the summit will facilitate cooperation at the six-way nuclear talks and in the establishment of an inter-Korean peace regime.

Presidential Spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said that Mr. Roh asked the U.N. chief for the world body's interest and support, to which Ban said his organization would do its best to contribute to peace and stability on the peninsula.

Ban said that he expects the summit would contribute to inter-Korean peace, progress on the nuclear issue and cooperation in Northeast Asia.