2017.08.1716:25:00UTC+00CHILE: Bachelet Highlights Strategic Ties With The U.S. During Pence Visit

Chile's ties with the United States are strategic politically and economically, said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet at La Moneda Palace during a visit from U.S. Vice President Mike Pence during his Latin America diplomatic tour.

At the meeting, both Bachelet and Pence expressed their interest in continuing to strengthen bilateral ties and promote an agenda focused on cooperation, energy, education, science, technology and innovation.

Later, in a joint press conference, Bachelet stressed the benefits for both countries generated by their Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"Under this agreement,which has more than a decade, 100% of products are duty-free," she said. "The agreement also provides access to services, guarantees intellectual property protection and promotes investments by U.S. companies in various sectors of our economy."

Regarding the situation in Venezuela, Bachelet stood up for the Lima's Declaration, agreed between several Latin American and Caribbean countries, and emphasized that "we must explore ways to contribute to the restoration of democracy in Venezuela through a peaceful and negotiated way."

"I want to be very clear: Chile will do everything possible to support the Venezuelans to find the peaceful way to reestablish their democracy, but Chile will not support coups d'etat nor military interventions," said Bachelet.

Last Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said his government has many options to deal with the crisis in Venezuela, including military intervention.