Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday that the U.S. government wishes to have better ties with Latin American countries.

Clinton, who arrived here Thursday, said that the United States supports the maintenance of democracy in the region and urged other countries to support the government of Honduran President Porfirio Lobo because "he was elected in a democratic and transparent process."

Clinton made the remarks while answering questions on Venezuela's criticism that her trip to the region was meant to divide the positions of the Latin American counties on the issue.

Clinton also said she was satisfied with the election of Laura Chinchilla, a woman to be the new president of Costa Rica.

Latin American countries should spread the benefits of free trade agreements to all social sectors and enhance the inclusive prosperity in the Americas, said the U.S. top diplomat.

She proposed to reduce at least 5 percent of the costs and waiting time at the customs offices in Latin American countries.

Later on Thursday, Clinton will have dinner with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias and on Friday she will travel to Guatemala.

In Guatemala, Clinton will meet President Alvaro Colom, Salvadorian President Mauricio Funes, Honduran President Porfirio Lobo, Dominican Republic's President Leone Fernandez and Belize's Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Before visiting Costa Rica, Clinton went to Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Brazil as part of her Latin America tour.