Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said on Thursday that he had informed the White House he would not attend a meeting with President Donald Trump scheduled for next Tuesday.
Esta mañana hemos informado a la Casa Blanca que no asistiré a la reunión de trabajo programada para el próximo martes con el @POTUS.
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) January 26, 2017
The New York Times reported Thursday that his decision was the result of a "remarkable back-and-forth between the two leaders." The video and cancellation came as Trump signed an executive order to increase the deportation force and begin construction of a wall on the U.S. southern border.
Peña Nieto added this morning that he regretted the United States' decision to begin work on a border wall, which he called a divisive action.
Lamento y repruebo la decisión de EE.UU de continuar la construcción de un muro que lejos de unirnos, nos divide.
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) January 26, 2017
The Mexican leader reiterated his willingness to work with the United States in order to achieve goals that are mutually beneficial to both countries.
México reitera su voluntad de trabajar con los Estados Unidos para lograr acuerdos en favor de ambas naciones.
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) January 26, 2017
The decision to cancel the meeting comes after Peña Nieto posted a Wednesday video that condemned the wall. In the video, he told the Mexican people he will fight for their interests.