An official quick count forecast that Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador would win Mexico's presidential election with at least 53 percent of the vote. Lopez Obrador spoke of reconciliation on election night, after riding voter anger and discontent. (July 2)
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Fresh off a landslide victory, Mexico's newly elected leftist president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pledged Monday to "reach an understanding" with Donald Trump amid uncertain times for two countries that must seek consensus on everything from contentious trade talks to cooperation on security and migration.
During a half-hour telephone conversation, Trump said the two leaders discussed topics including border security, trade and the North American Free Trade Agreement, adding that "I think the relationship will be a very good one."
In an interview with the Televisa news network, Lopez Obrador did not provide specifics on what an "understanding" with the Trump administration might look like, except to emphasize the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the two neighbors.
"We are conscious of the need to maintain good relations with the United States. We have a border of more than 3,000 kilometers, more than 12 million Mexicans live in the United States. It is our main economic-commercial partner," he said.
Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his victory speech in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, late Sunday, July 1, 2018. Angry and frustrated over corruption and violence, Mexican voters delivered a tidal wave presidential election victory to Lopez Obrador, giving him a broad mandate to upend the political establishment and govern for the poor. Photo: Moises Castillo, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
CORRECTS BYLINE - Tens of thousands pack Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, as Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his victory speech, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation. Photo: Christian Palma, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Supporters of presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador celebrate his victory in Mexico City's Alameda Central Park, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation after what he called a "historic day." Photo: Emilio Espejel, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
A woman cries in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, as Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his victory speech, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation. Photo: Anthony Vazquez, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledges his supporters as he arrives to Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation. Photo: Moises Castillo, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
A child holds a Mexican flag as supporters of presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador celebrate his victory, on Mexico City's Madero main square, the Zocalo, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation. Photo: Ramon Espinosa, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Presidential candidate Jose Antonio Meade talks to the press acknowledging his lower overall polling numbers during the general election in Mexico City, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Meade of Mexico's ruling party conceded defeat to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the presidential vote. Photo: Anthony Vazquez, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Supporters pack Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, as Presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his victory speech, Monday, July 2, 2018. Lopez Obrador has claimed victory in Mexico's presidential election, calling for reconciliation. Photo: Anthony Vazquez, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
A supporter of presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, wearing a mask with his likeness, waits for his arrival at Mexico City's main Zocalo plaza Sunday July 1, 2018. A prominent exit poll gave populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador a 16 to 26 point lead over his nearest rivals, who conceded even before official results were released by the National Electoral Institute. Photo: Emilio Espejel, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
An election official applies indelible ink to the finger of a voter inside a polling station covered by a red tarp, during general elections in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Sunday's elections for posts at every level of government are Mexico's largest ever and have become a referendum on corruption, graft and other tricks used to divert taxpayer money to officials' pockets and empty those of the country's poor. Photo: Ramon Espinosa, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
People wait to vote during general elections in the indigenous community of Soledad Atzompa, Veracruz state, Mexico, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Sunday's elections for posts at every level of government are Mexico's largest ever and have become a referendum on corruption, graft and other tricks used to divert taxpayer money to officials' pockets and empty those of the country's poor. Photo: Felix Marquez, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
A man casts his vote during general elections in Xochimilco, Mexico City, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Mexico's more than 89 million voters head to the polls Sunday to elect a president, who serves one six-year term, as well as 500 congressional deputies and 128 senators. Photo: Emilio Espejel, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Ballot boxes for mayor, lawmakers and president sit at a polling station during general elections in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Sunday, July 1, 2018. Sunday's elections for posts at every level of government are Mexico's largest ever and have become a referendum on corruption, graft and other tricks used to divert taxpayer money to officials' pockets and empty those of the country's poor. Photo: Ramon Espinosa, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.