Obama welcomes Chile's Pinera to White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama has welcomed Chilean President Sebastian Pinera to the White House, asserting the South American nation's economic and democratic rise. Both leaders said they were committed to working toward a broad Asia-Pacific regional trade pact that would include both countries.

Obama also said the two leaders discussed Chile's acceptance into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which would allow Chileans to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. If accepted, Chile would be the only Latin American country in the program.

Obama said Chile's establishment of a strong manufacturing, industrial and service base for its economy and its strong imports reflect Chile's embrace of democracy and human rights and a market economy.

Obama visited Chile in 2011.