Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun will meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next week in Australia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today.

Lavrov made the remarks ahead of a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon, noting the meeting will make preparations for the highest level contact.

The top Russian diplomat also welcomed the release of the South Korean hostages being held by the Taliban in Afghanistan earlier this month.

"We sincerely hail the fact that the situation with the South Korean hostages was resolved successfully," Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

Song has also met with Valentin Sobolev, acting head of the Russian Security Council, and appreciated Russia's support in settling the hostage issue.