BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Transparency and open governments are the best way to combat corruption, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said yesterday as she joined Brazil's president at an international conference.

Clinton and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff helped kick off the first high-level meeting of the Open Government Partnership launched last year by President Barack Obama and Rousseff. Representatives of 55 nations were present.

"The cure against corruption is openness," Clinton said. "We believe that countries with open governments, open economies and open societies will increasingly flourish, they will be more prosperous and they will strengthen their democracies."

"By contrast those governments that hide from public view and dismiss people's aspirations for greater freedom and openness will find it increasingly difficult to prosper, to maintain peace and security," she added.

The State Department said in a statement that the Open Government Partnership helps improve lives through "greater transparency, accountability and participation."

On Monday Clinton spoke to members of Brazil's National Confederation of Industry.

She said the two countries are planning extensive exchange programs in technology and education meant to bolster mutual ties and fuel job growth and innovation on both sides.

"This is such a critical partnership in so many dimensions," she said. "Its economic dimension is growing increasingly important."

Clinton also said the two countries should redouble efforts to conclude a double taxation treaty, explore a bilateral investment treaty, and consider a free trade agreement.