President Lee Myung-bak says North Korea should open its door to economic development, just as China has done, in order to overcome its economic difficulties.

Lee made the remark Friday during a visit to Malaysia, also voicing his hope for China's active role in encouraging Pyongyang to pursue an open-door policy.

The president said that to realize peaceful coexistence and eventual reunification, the two Koreas must pursue economic collaboration while at the same time respecting one another.

He said that the foundation for the unification of the two Koreas will be laid once the North becomes economically independent.

Lee added that bilateral economic cooperation could expand greatly if the North shows a real commitment to denuclearization.