U.S. President George W. Bush will welcome his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet to the White House on June 8, the White House said in a statement on Friday.

"Chile is an important ally and this visit underscores the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Chile," the statement said.

"The president and President Bachelet will discuss a range of issues including their shared commitment to advance freedom and democracy, the importance of free trade to sustained economic growth, and continuing cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the statement said.

The United States has been trying to strengthen relations with countries in Latin America, a region traditionally regarded as the backyard of the United States.

Source: Xinhua