S.Korean president launches European tour

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun left Seoul on Sunday to launch his week-long visit to Spain, Italy and Vatican City, the Presidential Office said.

During a four-day state visit to Spain ending Wednesday, Roh will hold talks with Spanish King Juan Carlos and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to discuss measures to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and Spain in the future, said the office.

Roh will be the first South Korean head of state to visit Spain since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1950.

Following the visit to Spain, Roh will go to Italy and the Vatican.

The Presidential Office said Roh will meet with Pope Benedict XVI and ask for the pope's support on Seoul's peace policies on the Korean Peninsula.

In Rome, the president will hold talks with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Romano Prodi, said the office.

Roh is to return to Seoul on next Saturday.

Source: Xinhua