President Roh Moo-hyun says he expects the National Assembly will ratify the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement after December's presidential election.

The president voiced his expectations at a ceremony in Seoul to mark the 44th Trade Day, adding that ratification will help the nation gain the international community's trust.

Turning to inter-Korean economic cooperation, the president said that North Korea has been reborn as a land of opportunity, calling for a change in what he called "old views on national security."

At the same time, he warned of hasty reunification, saying it could yield more trouble than benefit as the North is far behind the South economically.

Mr. Roh described inter-Korean economic cooperation as a way to narrow gaps and pave the way for future reunification.

He added that it will also provide the nation with trade opportunities.

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