Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Friday underscored the importance of his country's closer ties with the Caribbean region, especially its trade potential with the region amid the global economic crisis.

Speaking at the 5th Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) hosted by Haiti, Pinera said "we have a free trade agreement with the community of Central American countries and we have been looking to expand trade ties with the countries of the Caribbean also."

Taking about the global economic crisis, Pinera called on "the community of Caribbean countries to be prepared," noting that an economic recovery will present many opportunities.

Pledging to strengthen Chile's ties with the region, Pinera said Chile "may be physically far away" from the Caribbean, "but its affection, disposition and affection place it very close."

Like the Caribbean countries, Chile also struggles with "natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, volcanic eruptions, and as such we have established a line of cooperation that has been prolific and useful," Pinera said.

Since 2004, Chile has maintained a military and police contingent in Haiti as part of the United Nation's peace-keeping troops. Chile also took part in the UN mission to support the Caribbean country's reconstruction efforts after a massive earthquake hit the country in 2010.

The ACS was established in 1994 to strengthen Caribbean integration through trade and concerted action in sustainable development and disaster prevention. It has 25 member countries and four associate members. Some 15 heads of state attended the summit on Friday.