Madrid - President of Ecuador Rafael Correa called here today for the strengthening of Latin America integration, given what he described as inhuman and cruel statements by world biggest powers.

'There are difficult times ahead, but also interesting and full of opportunities to consolidate the big homeland and a united Latin America,' said today Correa in Barcelona, where he began a three-day visit to Spain.

Correa made the weekly report on his management at the Palacio de Congresos in Barcelona, with the Enlace Ciudadano broadcast program, surrounded by the Ecuadorian community settled there.

Although not explicitly referring to the immigration measures announced by US incumbent President Donald Trump, Correa supported a common policy in this issue within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

He hoped that those difficult times ahead will be used for Latin America to wake up from the lethargy and its people to take the reins on the region.

He deplored that, for many years, some Latin American presidents have been 'ruling in Spanish, but thinking in English.'

However, he highlighted the role of former leaders such as Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Nestor Kirchner, whom he described as great Latin Americanists.

Correa will conclude his visit in Spain with a lecture on Monday at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and also a meeting with King Felipe VI and Spanish President Mariano Rajoy.