SEOUL?resident Kim ae-jung and his U.S. counterpart, George W. Bush, on Jan. 25 agreed to meet as soon as possible, sharing the need for the two countries to closely coordinate policy on North Korea in order to ensure peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Speaking on the phone for the first time since President Bush? Jan. 20 inauguration, the two leaders expressed their mutual belief that ?he upholding of the traditionally close Korea-U.S. relationship is the most pivotal one, not only for peace on the peninsula but also for that in Northeast Asia, Chong Wa Dae spokesman park Joon-young told reporters.

Park said that the two Presidents decided to meet ?s soon as possible to consult with each other on the future course of their North Korea policy.

The ?hone consultations were requested by President Bush, the Chong Wa Dae spokesman said.

The two leaders conversation came amid a concern that the new Republican president might take a hardline approach on Pyongyang, potentially setting back the greater inter-Korean detente tha has been achieved thanks to President Kim? ?unshine policy toward the communist state in cooperation with the previous Clinton administration.

Signs that Pyongyang is embracing a China-style switch to a market economy, buttressed by its leader Kim Jong-il? recent visit to that key ally, are forcing Seoul and Washington to review their North Korea policy and smooth out differences, Chong Wa Dae officials point out.

During the phone conversation, President Kim noted that Pyongyang seems to be emulating China, keeping its socialist ideology but remodeling its economy for a greater openess, Park said.

The President stressed that the Korea-U.S. joint defense posture and trilateral coordination among Korea, U.S. and Japan have played a key role in the progress Seoul has made in its relationship with the North.

Chong Wa Dae quoted President Bush as saying that he is wel aware of the achievements President Kim has made through his sunshine policy and that he was also eager to meet him an exchange views on pertinent issues.

Bush said that his response on the summit schedule will soon be delivered at the meeting between Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Lee Joung binn and his U.S. counterpart Colin Powell.

Chong W a Dae officials said that the Lee-Powell meeting is being scheduled for sometime next month, paving the way for a Kim-Bush summit in Washington in March.