Uruguay's President Jose Mujica on Wednesday called for greater Latin American unity in fighting poverty.

"There is still much to ... do to solve the enormous social debt that exists in this continent," he said during his visit to the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which borders Uruguay.

Mujica highlighted Brazil's key role in any such process as Latin America's biggest country and leading economy.

"There will be a united Latin America if Brazil makes it a goal. If Brazil doesn't do that, there won't be enough fuel to drive true Latin American integration," he said.