Seoul, Nov 18 (IANS) US President Barack Obama arrived in South Korea Wednesday as part of his four-nation Asia tour.

Obama has visited Japan, Singapore and China. Seoul is the last stop for him.

During his stay in Seoul, Obama will meet his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak for a summit early Thursday in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss the speedy ratification of a free trade deal between the two countries.

Among the topics for discussion is the two countries' joint efforts to fight climate change, Seoul's hosting the G-20 summit meeting in November 2010, and the issue of South Korea's troop dispatch to Afghanistan.

Obama will head home late Thursday after visiting a US military base.