The White House says the upcoming state visit by President Lee Myung-bak will highlight the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea.

According to a statement released Tuesday by the White House Press Secretary, Lee is slated to visit the White House on October 13th at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama. It further reads that the visit will “celebrate the strong bonds of friendship between the American and Korean people.”

The statement noted the two leaders are expected to discuss a broad range of economic and security issues and review progress made in connection with the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the joint statement that Lee and Obama released after their summit in 2009, titled the "Joint Vision" for the future of the Korea-US Alliance.

The Press Secretary added that President Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama will also host President Lee and Mrs. Kim Yun-ok for an official state dinner on the night of the 13th.