Obama, Chile's Pinera discuss Visa Waiver Program

WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama, after a meeting Tuesday with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, said they discussed Chile's participation in the Visa Waiver Program.

The program allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa.

Speaking at the White House, Obama said among topics covered, "For example, the process whereby we anticipate Chile being able to achieve membership in the Visa Waiver Program that will facilitate the freer flow of people between our two countries. And I know it's one of President Pinera's highest priorities."

Obama said they also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, "a high-standard, high-level trade agreement with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, which is the most dynamic and fastest-growing region of the world. And Chile has been an excellent partner with us in trying to bring this multilateral trade agreement to a close."

Obama said he congratulated Pinera "on the work that Chile is doing in the Pacific Partnership, in which Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru are joining together to create not only economic integration, but also educational and scientific exchanges that will not only enhance each member country but also are pointing the way for a model of economic development and growth throughout the region that I think a lot of people are paying attention to."