Mr Yu Myung-Hwan made the statement as he wrapped up a three-day visit to Beijing, his first overseas trip since assuming the post this month.

South Korea's President Lee Myung-Bak, who took office on February 25, has stressed the need to strengthen relations with South Korea's closest economic partner China, while also upgrading ties with Japan and the United States.

'China will fix the time and other details,' said Mr Yu, as quoted by South Korea's official Yonhap news agency.

Mr Lee plans to visit China in early May, Yonhap said. -- AFP