WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush on Wednesday discussed the importance of trade relations with Mexico and Latin America and stressed the need to approve Immigration Law Section 245(i).

In a meeting at the White House with members of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Bush spoke about the importance of strengthening relations with the Latin American "neighbors," about his trip this month to Mexico, Peru and El Salvador and about the need to "make sure that the Mexican citizen here is well-respected."

"My attitude toward Mexico is that I want Mexico to succeed. I want our neighbors to be successful," Bush told the Hispanic businessmen.

"And so our public policy ought to recognize Mexico as an incredibly important part of the American future. And therefore, I look forward to working with el Presidente Fox on how best to make sure our relationship is strong," Bush said.

"We've got a spirit of amistad (friendship). We've got a relationship that is open and strong," Bush said in Spanish and English, referring to the bi-national ties between the United States and Mexico.

The president reinforced his commitment to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

"I believe NAFTA is not only good for Mexico; as importantly, it is good for American workers, as well," he said.

Bush also referred to Section 245(i) of the U.S. Immigration Law, which allows some illegal immigrants to legalize their stay in the United States.

"I told the Congress that I want to make sure that the Mexican citizen here is well-respected, and one way to do that is to pass 245(i), which will allow for families to be reunited," the president said.

"If you believe in family values, if you understand the worth of family and the importance of family, let's get 245(i) out of the United States Congress and give me a chance to sign it," Bush said.

Bush also spoke about his second visit to Mexico where he will participate in a development conference.

The president also urged the U.S. Senate to approve his appointment of Hispanic Judge Miguel Estrada to the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit.

"I'm calling on the United States Senate to move quickly on Miguel's nomination, so that we can have a good, young Latino; (a) smart, brilliant man represent our nation," Bush said.

The president spoke about the "education of our children," saying that "reading is the new civil right," and about the war against terrorism.

Small Business Administration (SBA) head Hector Barreto, who accompanied Bush during his speech, told EFE that Hispanic businessmen seemed satisfied about the invitation to the White House and Bush's words.

"This administration is going to continue to support Latino businesses" and issues of utmost importance for the Hispanic community such as immigration, education and social security, according to Barreto, one of the two Hispanics in Bush's cabinet.