Obama :US aims to work with Mexico on global issues

The United States is looking forward to coordinate with Mexico on regional and international affairs, affirmed President Barack Obama. Mexico is today a very important multilateral, multinational leader on a range of issues from energy to climate change, "and we look forward to working with Mexico not only on regional issues, but also on global issues," Obama said to Mexico President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto before their meeting at the White House, late on Tuesday. "And just as President-elect Pena Nieto's reform agenda is of great interest to us because what happens in Mexico has an impact on our society, I know he is interested in what we do as well on issues like comprehensive immigration reform," Obama said as the two leaders appeared together in the Oval Office before their bilateral meeting. Pena Nieto said Mexico "fully" supports Obama's proposal for "migration reform." "We really want to participate with you," said Pena Nieto, who assumes the presidency of Mexico on Saturday for a six-year term. "We want to contribute toward the accomplishment, so that of course we can participate in the betterment and the well-being of so many millions of people who live in your country and who are also participating." Obama said he looked forward to "a fruitful discussion" about strengthening economic and trade ties with Mexico, and "our coordination along the border, improving our joint competitiveness, as well as common security issues." Pena Nieto said he and Obama shared "a very important vision" of creating more jobs, and that security was "another major challenge we all face." "My government has set out to reduce the violence situation in our country, " he said, alluding to the years of deadly drug wars. "And for that, of course, we have set out to launch a strategy for this purpose. And I will do everything we can for this. We have the will to have efficient cooperation with respect for our sovereign states. And of course in terms of the border, we want our border to be a safe, modern, connected border, legal border -- that is exactly what we have set out to accomplish." Obama said that during the last four years, he had "been able to work with (outgoing Mexican) President Felipe Calderon, and I think we established an excellent working relationship, so I wish him all the best in his new life." "And I am very confident that I am going to establish a strong personal as well as professional relationship with the President-elect, who I know has an outstanding reputation for wanting to get things done," Obama added.