Colombian singer Shakira and Bulgaria-descended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff have pledged to improve the welfare of children in Brazil.

The singer met with Rousseff on Thursday to seek support for the social work of a foundation, sponsored by her and other artists from Spain and Latin America, Fox News Latino reported.

"It was a very positive meeting," Shakira said, adding that the head of state was "very enthusiastic" about the work of the Alas Foundation ("alas" means "wings" in Spanish).

The organization focuses on projects benefiting children less than 6 years of age.

Shakira said she had received an "excellent impression" of Rousseff.

"For Brazil it's a blessing, for the first time, to have a female president, since there's nobody like a woman to understand the problems of childhood," she said.

The singer gave the head of state an autographed acoustic guitar with the intention of having it auctioned to finance social projects. She also said the two had discussed the possible support of the Brazilian government for the Alas Foundation.

"Brazil is a leading country in the region and it would be very important to be able to work together so that Latin American children might have better opportunities," she said.

Shakira is in Brazil to stage a series of concerts from her Pop Music Festival tour.