SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday promised to work together to promote negotiations between the two countries for a free trade agreement (FTA).

    During a summit meeting here, the two leaders agreed that the South Korea-Canada FTA will not only contribute to expanding the two-way trade, but also can further enhance the bilateral relations, according to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

    The FTA will bring tangible benefits to both sides as the industries between the two countries are complementary to each other, Cheong Wa Dae said.

    As the host countries for the next year's G20 summit, an early signing of the agreement will help improve the two countries images at the international stage, it added.

    Lee and Harper also agreed to closely cooperate for the successful hosting of the G20 summits next year.

    Ottawa is set to host the international economic forum in June, while Seoul will host the following gathering in November.