AUSTIN, TEXAS — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson outlined the Trump administration’s vision for Latin America for the first time Thursday, describing the region as a vital, enduring U.S. partner despite recent frictions over immigration and trade.

Tillerson, who is on his first multi-nation mission to Latin America, delivered the policy address in his home state, at his alma mater, the University of Texas in Austin, an institution steeped in studies of U.S. relations with Central and South America.

He stressed the importance of alliances and agreements forged under previous administrations for trade, security, democratic reforms and human rights.

Tillerson said the Trump administration would pursue “three pillars” of engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean for 2018 and beyond: economic prosperity, security and democratic governance.

Although he offered few details, Tillerson listed trade deals as a priority, including the ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico to “modernize” the North American Free Trade Agreement.

In contrast to President Donald Trump, who has called NAFTA a “horrible” deal, Tillerson said he understood its importance to Mexico, but said it needed updating since it was signed in 1994.

He also advocated for developing regional energy resources, saying the opportunity existed to build “an energy partnership that spans the Western Hemisphere.”

“We cannot afford to squander this moment,” he said.

Tillerson promoted what he called a “holistic” approach to security that tackles economic development as well as drug trafficking and transnational crime.

“You cannot have one without the other,” he said.

He said transnational criminal organizations, including gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking rings, are the most serious threat in the region.

“In the pursuit of wealth and power, (the groups) leave death and destruction in their wake,” he said.

He singled out Venezuela for special criticism.

“The corrupt and hostile regime of (President) Nicolas Maduro clings to a false dream and antiquated vision for the region which has already failed its citizens,” he said.

The secretary of state noted that Washington has imposed numerous sanctions on Venezuelan officials and companies, a campaign now joined by Canada and the European Union.

Tillerson also warned countries in the Western Hemisphere to beware of Chinese investment, saying it is reminiscent of European colonialism, and he derided Russia for selling weaponry to unfriendly, authoritarian governments in the region.

He said Chinese offers almost always demand the use of imported Chinese labor, large loans and unsustainable debt, and ignore human and property rights.

“While this trade has brought benefits, the unfair trading practices used by many Chinese have also harmed these countries' manufacturing sectors, generating unemployment and lowering wages for workers,” he said.

He lamented that China is now the largest trading partner with Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru.

Tillerson left after the speech for Mexico City, where he is due to meet President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday. Relations with Mexico have been strained by Trump’s harsh language during the campaign.

Over the next week, Tillerson also will visit Bariloche and Buenos Aires in Argentina; Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; and Kingston, Jamaica.

Associated Press contributed.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com