The tour marked the first time a German chancellor has embarked on a trip specifically targeting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a main regional economic development driving power.

He started his tour in Malaysia on Sunday. Meeting with Malaysian president, Schroeder expressed delight not only over Malaysia's development policies but also the strong stand taken by the nation on international issues.

"Schroeder wanted more promotion to be carried out in Germany to inform their people of Malaysia and its attractions. He also mentioned that efforts should be made to ensure Germans know that Malaysia is a safe place to visit. More focus should be given to this," according to Malaysian officials.

On the international issues, the two leaders focused more on the Palestinian problem especially the United States' newly-proposed road map in the trouble-prone region.

"The two leaders also agreed that for lasting peace in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue must be resolved first. They also agreed that the United Nations should play the central role in resolving conflicts," they added.

On Tuesday, Schroeder advocated free and fair world trade in Singapore.

To enable as many people as possible to enjoy greater prosperity and social security, it is not enough for each individual country to consolidate the conditions for greater global growth, "we also need free and fair world trade," said Schroeder.

The developing countries face far more disadvantageous starting conditions, it is therefore an obligation incumbent on the better-off economies to support these countries on their way toward full participation in globalization, he noted.

"We will only achieve lasting success when the developing countries have a fair chance to sell their competitive products on the world market," he told the Singaporeans.

"My country wants to make the next round of world trade negotiations in Doha a 'development round' tailored to the specific needs of the developing countries," he added.

Touching on globalization, Schroeder said, "We need a comprehensive, multilateral policy for greater security and justice in the world. No country can solve the world's major problems on its own."

"My government is therefore endeavoring to strengthen the position of the United Nations," he stressed.

He met with Singaporean President S. R. Nathan, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

On the same day, he started visit to Indonesia. The next day, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation, particularly in the field of economy.

Following her officials talks with Schroeder, Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri told the press, "We agree to develop the bilateral cooperation of the two countries."

The two governments planned to develop cooperation in the field of economy, politics, science and technology, police and anti-terrorism, she noted.

They have the similar view that the United Nations should have a main role in restructuring the damaged Iraq and providing the humanitarian aid.

"We agreed to strengthen roles of the United Nations in Iraq," Schroeder echoed.

Indonesian Foreign Affair Minister Hassan Wirajuda said that his visit could have a good impact on Indonesia, as Germany plays an important role in the European Union.

The visit is the first by a German chancellor since the downfall of former Indonesian military ruler Soeharto in 1998.

Before leaving Vietnam for home Thursday, Schroeder and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai agreed to further boost economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

They reached consensus on directions and measures to elevate the bilateral ties to a new height "in order to make full use of the two countries' potential and meet the desire of their people."

Khai stressed bilateral cooperation and urged the two sides to work together to build a "long-term, reliable and stable partnership."

He also asked the German government to continue its support to the development of Vietnam-European Union (EU) relations and Vietnam's efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

Schroeder reiterated Germany's continued support to Vietnam's on-going renovation and its efforts to promote regional and global integration.

Germany will create conditions for and encourage its businesses,particularly small and medium-sized businesses, to expand their investment in Vietnam, the German leader promised.

He also pledged Germany's continued support to the development of Vietnam-EU relations, the expansion of German and EU markets for Vietnam's garment and textile, seafood and footwear exports, and Vietnam's accession to the WTO.

Documents, including a 25-million-Euro financial cooperation agreement for the 2002 fiscal year; three credit agreements on a 14-million-Euro waste water treatment project in Vietnamese Mekong delta provinces, a 9.203-million-Euro project to upgrade provincial hospitals and a 7.670-million-Euro flood control project in Mekong delta provinces; and a letter of intent on tourism cooperation between the two countries were signed.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2003)