U.S. President George W. Bush's current tour of Latin America has an "important significance," Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said on Sunday.

Bush's visit showed that the U.S. government is beginning to attach importance to Latin America, Bachelet told state television.

The visit is very important, as it will make the U.S. government begin to understand the needs of Latin America, she added.

Bachelet also said Chile maintains normal relations with the United States, which is one of Chile's major trading partners.

Bush began his first Latin American tour as president on Thursday. In addition to Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Guatemala which he is currently visiting, the U.S. president will also visit Mexico.

Source: Xinhua