BRASILIA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and regional integration, and their rejection of global trade wars.

At a joint press conference, the two leaders criticized the U.S. protectionist policies and called for strengthened ties among South American nations.

Lula emphasized the need to reinforce regional institutions and questioned why Latin America had not achieved technological development comparable to more advanced nations, pointing to U.S. policies as a contributing factor.

Echoing Lula's message, Boric stressed Chile's opposition to the "politicization of trade" and its support for strategic autonomy in international relations. "We believe in friendship among South American countries and free trade that benefits our people," he said.

Boric underscored the growing trade relationship between Chile and Brazil, which now surpasses Chile's trade with most European countries, noting that both sides see potential in investment, technology, transportation and financial services.

The two leaders announced new bilateral agreements in defense, public security, agriculture, culture and entrepreneurship. Boric also accepted Lula's invitation to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro scheduled for July 6-7.

As a symbol of deeper integration, both presidents highlighted progress on a bi-oceanic corridor project linking Brazil's Atlantic coast to Chile's Pacific ports via northern Argentina and Paraguay. ■