Schroeder did not speak to journalists after his arrival for the talks, which aim to carve out a role in post-war Iraq -- possibly through the United Nations -- after unexpectedly swift US battlefield gains.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Saint Petersburg earlier from Moscow to meet regional officials before holding his first formal talks with Schroeder.

He was later due to meet Chirac and the three leaders were then scheduled to hold joint meetings before meeting reporters and then having dinner together.

SPACE.WIRE