"Europe's importance is again clearly recognized (in the United States)," Steinmeier told reporters shortly after his return to Germany on Saturday.

He also said the Americans had acknowledged that the issues Germany planned to focus on during its presidency of the European Union and the Group of Eight (G8) most industrialized countries had already been discussed with its transatlantic partners.

Steinmeier was reluctant to comment on the American debate of the Baker Commission report which suggested this week the US adopt a new strategy toward Iraq. He said the US administration was critical of the recommendation that it contact Iran and Syria directly.

"There is a lot of skepticism here on whether the time has come," he said. On the other hand, however, a conference with Iraq's neighbors was being considered, he added.

Defends Syria visit

Steinmeier defended himself against criticism from the United States and Israel of his meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Damascus on Monday. He had been wanted to get other countries involved in overall efforts to stabilize the Middle East, he said, adding that it was important for him to talk with his allies and partners.

"I believed and believe it to be right to explain our positions there and, in clear discussions with a clear mission, say what we expect of Syria," he had told N24 television on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had criticized Steinmeier on Friday for visiting Syria, branding Damascus a backer of terrorism and the insurgency in Iraq.

"I like Minister Steinmeier, but I think he made a mistake," Olmert, who is due in Berlin Tuesday for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, told German rolling news channel N24. Olmert said he had told Steinmeier his opinion when the German minister was in Israel last week, ahead of his brief stop in Damascus Monday.

The Israeli premier said Syria was "actively" involved in terror acts and backed the bloody sectarian violence in Iraq. He accused Steinmeier of failing to criticize the Syrian government during his stay.

Preparation for EU, G8 presidencies

Steinmeier met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for five hours in Washington on Friday. The visit was intended as preparation for Germany assuming the rotating presidencies of the EU and the G8 in January.

Steinmeier will make a similar trip to Moscow before the end of the year.