The inaugural Nuclear Security Summit opened Monday in Washington, with leaders from 47 countries, including President Lee Myung-bak, gathering to discuss ways to guarantee that nuclear materials are kept out of the hands of terrorists.

Lee will deliver during the summit a speech in which he plans to highlight South Korea’s efforts to enhance international nuclear security, such as its participation in related global initiatives and its plan to host next year a meeting on combating nuclear terrorism.

Lee will also promote the safety and excellence of South Korean-developed nuclear power technologies during the two-day summit.

After arriving in Washington on Monday, Lee visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial and met with soldiers who fought in the Korean War.

Later in the day, the president met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at the White House and then with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

He also met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss various issues, including South Korea’s contract to build a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and bilateral cooperation.