President Lee Myung-bak says he is willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to discuss the issue of linking Korean railroads to Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway.

During a meeting with editors of Russia’s top newspapers on Monday, Lee said that the linking of the railroads would help North Korea economically. He said he is confident Pyongyang would be interested in the idea and added that he is ready to meet with the reclusive North Korean leader.

Lee said South Korea is ready to engage in direct dialogue with the North for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He added that Seoul will actively support Pyongyang once it abandons its nuclear ambitions and returns to the international community in a responsible manner.