The new president of South Korea, Kim Dae Jung, has been meeting President Clinton at the White House on his first state visit to the United States.

Their talks are expected to focus on South Korea's economic crisis and relations with North Korea.

Mr Kim has expressed support for the easing of sanctions against North Korea, arguing that economic engagement could have a moderating effect, but the BBC Washington correspondent says there will be little political support for increasing economic contacts without clear evidence that North Korea is willing to change.