Biden hosts Mexican president for talks expected to address migration, trade

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden hosted his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, at the White House on Tuesday for talks expected to address a range of issues, including historic migration levels and trade.

The sit-down comes after Lopez Obrador publicly rebuffed a gathering of Latin American leaders organized by the US president because Biden refused to invite US adversaries Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela.

That and other disputes, including Lopez Obrador's stiff opposition to US support for Ukraine, which he has called a "crass error," have largely been glossed over by the White House and the leaders in preference for emphasizing shared priorities.

Addressing reporters in brief remarks in the Oval Office, Biden continued to downplay the differences, saying "we see Mexico as an equal partner," and emphasizing the "close ties" the

nations share.

"Despite the overhyped headlines that we sometimes see, you and I have a strong, productive relationship, and I would argue a partnership," said Biden. "Today we're going to be discussing the shared challenges we face, and commitments on some of the major issues we're taking on together."

Lopez Obrador, who said Friday that he wants the US and Mexico to pursue joint efforts to combat inflation, spoke for more than 30 minutes, touching on a broad set of topics, including gas prices and the joint need for “something similar” to World War II-era cooperation.

The Mexican president urged Biden to implement greater access to the US labor market for skilled laborers from Mexico and Latin America, acknowledging the stiff resistance the proposal is certain to face among many, particularly Republicans.

“I know your adversaries, the conservatives, are going to be screaming all over the place," he said. "The way out is not through conservatism. The way out is through transformation. We have to be bold in our actions.”

The White House indicated a series of joint actions will be announced following the meeting, including efforts to improve border infrastructure, address undocumented migration and enhance mutual law enforcement cooperation to stem the flow of fentanyl, a highly potent opioid responsible for a spike in overdose deaths.

Other joint announcements will address clean energy and the economy.