BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia and the United States signed a pact yesterday increasing US access to military bases in the South American country, deepening its standing as Washington’s main ally in the region.

Left-leaning leaders in neighbouring countries object to the deal, which gives US troops access to seven bases in an effort to boost anti-drug and counter-insurgency operations.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says the pact will destabilize the region and could set the stage for a US-led invasion of his oil-rich country, a claim that Bogota and Washington dismiss.

“The pact is based on the principles of total respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity and not intervening in the internal affairs of other states,” said a statement issued by Colombia’s foreign ministry.

US and Colombian officials say the American military presence in the Andean country will not exceed caps previously set by the US Congress of 800 military personnel and 600 contractors.