The White House says President Bush will attend the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in November in Busan, South Korea.

A White House statement says Mr. Bush will discuss promoting free trade, boosting economic growth and strengthening regional security cooperation.

Mr. Bush is expected to meet with South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun on November 17 and hold bilateral meetings with other APEC leaders.

The 21-member APEC group includes Pacific nations who regularly meet to discuss trade, security and other issues.

A White House spokesman said the president will also make several side trips during his visit. He is scheduled to travel to Beijing on November 19. Mr. Bush also plans to make his first visit to Mongolia on November 21 to meet with President Enkhbayar.