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President-elect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon today, a meeting that furthered the tradition of incoming U.S. presidents sitting down before their inauguration with their soon-to-be counterparts to the south.

Mr. Obama vowed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, saying he would work "to build on the commercial ties, the security ties and the cultural ties that exist between the United States and Mexico."

"My message today is that my administration is going to be ready on day one to work to build a stronger relationship with Mexico," he said.

The pair talked about a wide range of issues, Mr. Obama said, including border security, NAFTA, and "how we can have a comprehensive and thoughtful [immigration] strategy that ultimately strengthens both countries."

Mr. Obama and Calderon shared an hour-and-a-half-long lunch of tortilla soup at the Mexican Cultural Institute. The president-elect praised Calderon for his handling of the Mexican economy and drug trafficking issues.

"The friendship between the U.S. and Mexico has been strong," Mr. Obama said. "I believe it can be even stronger."

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