(CNN) -- Mexico's new leader had a message for U.S. officials as he toured Washington on Tuesday: Ties between the neighboring nations must go beyond the drug war. The two countries should team up to create jobs, Mexican President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto said at the White House. "We should reconsider greater integration of North America to achieve a region that is more competitive and capable of creating more jobs," Pena Nieto told U.S. President Barack Obama as reporters looked on. Before his first meeting with Obama, the 46-year-old former governor said he wanted to reshuffle the list of priorities the United States and Mexico share.
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Mexico's president-elect meets with U.S. President Barack Obama
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Enrique Pena Nieto says he wants to reshuffle the priorities the countries share
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There is potential for more trade, manufacturing and energy deals, he says
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Pena Nieto takes office as Mexico's president Saturday
Obama told reporters he was eager to develop a strong relationship with @placeholder and take on a broad agenda.