Ukrainian leader starts Southeast Asian tour

Ukrainian leader starts Southeast Asian tour

KIEV (Reuter): Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma left on a
week-long tour of Indonesia and Vietnam yesterday to boost
political and trade relations with two of Asia's fast-growing
economies.

In Jakarta, he will sign a partnership treaty with Indonesian
President Soeharto. His program in Vietnam includes signature
with Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh of an agreement to avoid
double-taxation.

Last year, Ukraine's trade stood at a paltry at $15 million
with Vietnam, mostly imports by Kiev of rubber. Vietnam has
expressed interest in spare parts for military equipment dating
from the Soviet era.

The figure of $65 million with Indonesia is little better.
Ukrainian defense sources say they also view Jakarta as a
suitable market for military hardware.

The trip is seen as part of Ukraine's policy of balancing
relations between former Soviet allies, like Vietnam, and non-
traditional partners such as non-aligned Indonesia.