MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

German president praises Chile.

German president Johannes Rau currently visiting Mercosur country members praised Chile as an “anchor of stability” in a continent plagued with “conflicts and problems”.

Addressing the Chilean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Santiago Mr. Rau said that, "this country with its economic-financial discipline and its open economy is an example for the region but also for countries such as Germany. It's wonderful to see how Chile is now competing in the world's main league".

The German president also underlined the traditionally excellent relations between Chile and Germany with long standing cooperation in areas such as academia, education, scientific research plus in the economic and military fields.

Mr. Rau's delegation includes Deputy Economy Minister Rudolf Anzinger and a small group of businessmen.

"Chile has undergone an extraordinary development in the last thirty years and we can see a fully operational democracy, modern infrastructure and a population enjoying prosperity and hope", said the German president.

Bilateral trade reached 1,2 billion US dollars in 2002 with a favourable 310 million US dollars balance for Germany.

Mr. Rau also praised Chile's efforts in ensuring peace in the region and in improving education and public health for its population.

Finally Mr. Rau stressed that "German businessmen and investors are very interested in Chile and in finding new ways of economic and commercial cooperation".

President Rau was also present for the celebrations of the establishment of the first German community in southern Chile 150 year ago.