Biden to visit Mexico in early January, Mexican president says

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador looks on during Chilean President Gabriel Boric's official visit to Mexico at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico, November 23, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Romero

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Mexico in early January as part of a North American leaders summit previously planned for December.

Lopez Obrador announced the visit at a news conference as his government seeks to work through a major spat over Mexican energy policy with the United States and Canada.

The Mexican leader suggested the visit would take place on Jan. 9-10, though he also mentioned earlier dates.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks about the student loan forgiveness program from an auditorium on the White House campus in Washington, U.S., October 17, 2022. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

Lopez Obrador said it was likely that a bilateral meeting with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a meeting between the three leaders would follow his meeting with Biden.

Talks between the countries' leaders are expected to address the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, among other issues.

Washington and Ottawa in July sought dispute settlement talks under USMCA over Lopez Obrador's energy policies, arguing that they discriminate against U.S. and Canadian firms.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Mark Porter and Deepa Babington)