President Barack Obama has called for a new relationship between the US and Latin America based on equal partnership.
Speaking in Chile, he said Latin America was fundamental to the prosperity and security of the US.
Mr Obama praised the region for its dynamism, saying it was ready to assume a greater role in world affairs.
He added that Latin America’s political experience could be a guide for other peoples seeking democracy.
Mr Obama is in Chile on the second leg of a tour of Latin America that has been overshadowed by US-led military action against Libya.
“The world must now recognise Latin America for the dynamic and growing region that it truly is,” he said.
