Amid an escalating crisis between neighboring nations, President Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto had a “constructive” and “productive” telephone conversation early Friday. The conversation seemed a clear effort to tone down rising tensions a day after Mexico’s leader canceled plans to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., next week. Peña Nieto scrapped the visit following Trump’s insistence that Mexico foot the bill to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexicans have been riveted by the rift between Peña Nieto and Trump, and on Friday, the country’s wealthiest businessman weighed in on the situation during a rare news conference. The billionaire said he was pleased that Trump and Peña Nieto had spoken by phone, and called on Mexicans to unite behind their president as negotiations over NAFTA and on other issues go forward.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 27, 2017 21:15 UTC