U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to the White House Thursday, part of what U.S. officials call a very important and significant state visit.

Thursday's events include a formal welcoming ceremony and a state dinner. President Lee also will address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says U.S.-South Korean relations are at their high point, helping to build global peace and prosperity. Mr. Lee's visit comes a day as Congress approved a free trade deal with South Korea that President Obama says he will sign.

Mr. Lee told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday that the trade deal will create good jobs in both countries. He said those who argue the deal will instead cost jobs will be proven wrong.

Presidents Lee and Obama plan to visit a General Motors car plant Friday in Detroit. Mr. Obama has said he would like to see Koreans driving U.S.-built cars the way many Americans drive Korean cars.

Wednesday, Mr. Lee visited the Pentagon for talks with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. U.S. officials have not given any details of their talks. South Korea's Yonhap news agency says North Korea and other security issues dominated their discussions.