President Lee Myung-bak says that South Korea and the United States need to take time and watch the situation in responding to North Korea's sinking of the Cheonan naval vessel.

He made the comment during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the presidential office on Wednesday.

A presidential spokesman said Clinton agreed with Lee on the need for “strategic patience” in dealing with North Korea.

Clinton briefed the president on the results of her talks with Japanese and Chinese officials during her visit to Tokyo and Beijing. She also voiced her support for Seoul's balanced and prudent responses to the North's attack on the South Korean warship from both short- and long-term perspectives.

The president explained to Clinton his telephone conversation with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Lee said what is important is North Korea showing sincerity in giving up its nuclear program, not just coming back to the negotiating table.