The easing of the sanctions, which have been in place for 50 years, was first announced in September. The summit is also unlikely to affect U.S. plans for a missile defense system, according to the State Department. North Korea's missile program has been cited as a major justification for deployment. Russia called the agreement an important step but said more needed to be done to reconcile the old Cold War foes. But this is an important first step.
China also has a strategic interest in a less menacing North Korea.
An end to its missile threat would undermine U.S. arguments for a regional missile defense system. More on South Korea Keep up on the latest breaking developments on this story and the rest of Asia and the Pacific region by clicking here to our Raw News page. For the rest of the day's top world stories, click here , to our International News page. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Internet Safety Information applicable to this site.