The Presidential Office announced that President Lee Myung-bak will make a state visit to the United States in mid-October on the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama.

During his visit, President Lee will attend an official welcoming ceremony in Washington D.C. and then join Obama for a summit to discuss bilateral issues, including the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement and the North Korean nuclear situation.

Aside from the state dinner hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Lee will attend a luncheon co-hosted by Vice President Joseph Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties.

The Presidential Office said Lee's visit will be the fifth by a head of state to the U.S. since Obama took office. The office said this trip should strengthen the South Korea-U.S. bond based on the solid mutual goodwill and trust the two leaders have accumulated.