President Lee Myung-bak left for Washington on Monday for summit talks with U.S. President Barack Obama.

During their meeting Tuesday, the two leaders will discuss joint countermeasures against North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile launches. They will also seek to facilitate the parliamentary ratification of the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.

After their summit, Lee and Obama will adopt a "future vision" for the South Korea-U.S. alliance that will present the direction and principles for bilateral cooperation.

Later on Tuesday, Lee will meet with congressional leaders and attend a dinner with South Korean and American business figures.

On Wednesday, Lee will receive an honorary doctorate from George Washington University. He will then speak to U.S. experts on Korean affairs before returning home Thursday.

Tuesday’s summit will be the second meeting between the two leaders following their talks on the sidelines of the Group of 20 financial summit in London in early April.

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