**US President Barack Obama is expected to discuss trade and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions in talks with South Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak.**Mr Obama is due to spend less than a day attending the summit in Seoul, on the final leg of his Asian tour.
Both he and South Korean officials have said obstacles to a yet-to-be ratified free trade agreement must be addressed.
The talks come before Mr Obama’s administration sends its first envoy to North Korea for further discussions.
The envoy will take part in talks aimed at reviving six-way talks looking at ending the North’s nuclear ambitions in return for financial aid and a better global standing, Reuters news agency reports.
However, the BBC’s John Sudworth in Seoul says there is little hope of a breakthrough.
Reclusive nation
Local media suggest about 13,000 police and soldiers will provide security for Mr Obama’s visit.
South Korean protesters have urged the US president to do more about North Korea’s human rights record. Demonstrators have also protested against his presence.
Mr Obama is believed to have discussed the issue of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions during meetings with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his visit to China.
Both the US and China have been urging the reclusive nation to return to nuclear talks.
Last month, Mr Wen visited Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.