The president of South Korea Roh Moo-hyun is expected to arrive in Greece tomorrow in a visit diplomatic sources say will help strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Sources said that South Korea is likely to use Greece to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.

“The government of [South] Korea has high expectations of this visit. Greece is a leading power to promote steps aimed at stability and development in Southeastern Europe,” a Korean diplomatic source said.

The trip is also considered to be of historic importance as it is the first time a South Korean president will visit Greece since 1961, when the two countries started diplomatic ties.

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon will accompany the president during the three-day official visit and is expected to meet up with counterpart Dora Bakoyannis.