Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto called US President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him for his win on Wednesday, Radio Sawa reported. 

The Mexican leader said that the brief telephone conversation with the Republican was "cordial, friendly and respectful" and revealed that the two had agreed to meet before Trump officially takes over as president in January.

The 70-year-old has been hostile towards Mexicans and during his campaign he had called Mexican immigrants "rapists" and "drug dealers". 

Apart from stating that he would build a wall along the US-Mexico border to keep illegal immigrants out, he said that Mexico would have to pay for it.

Yet, Pena Nieto expressed hope that the two neighbours would cooperate to improve their relations. "I am optimistic. It's clear that a new phase in relations opens with the arrival of a new government, but I also think that there is a great opportunity," he said.

"Dialogue to make agreements is still the best route for Mexico, and my government will seek opportunities that benefit both nations in this new phase of bilateral relations," Pena Nieto added.

Source: MENA