WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Barack Obama has been meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the White House for talks expected to be dominated by energy issues.
Mexico's role as a major oil exporter has come to the fore in the wake of Obama's declaration on March 30 that the world's oil supply is sufficient to sanction Iran's exports in response to its controversial nuclear ambitions.
Obama recently blocked U.S. participation in Canada's Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would link Alberta's oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Coast, because of environmental fears that it could threaten groundwater supplies.
Trade relations also were also expected to come up during talks.
Obama – who is up for reelection in November – is keen to increase exports and keep the U.S. economy's momentum going.
Mexico's role as a major oil exporter has come to the fore in the wake of Obama's declaration on March 30 that the world's oil supply is sufficient to sanction Iran's exports in response to its controversial nuclear ambitions.
Obama recently blocked U.S. participation in Canada's Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would link Alberta's oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Coast, because of environmental fears that it could threaten groundwater supplies.
Trade relations also were also expected to come up during talks.
Obama – who is up for reelection in November – is keen to increase exports and keep the U.S. economy's momentum going.