He spoke on the same day that senior US officials, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, were due to hold economic cooperation talks with Mexican officials in Mexico City.
In July, the U.S. Trade Representative asked for dispute settlement talks with Mexico, arguing that Lopez Obrador’s drive to tighten state control over the energy market was unfair to his companies and likely violation of a regional trade agreement.
Lopez Obrador, who presented his energy policy as a matter of national sovereignty, then responded provocatively, saying he would defend Mexico’s position in a military parade on Independence Day next Friday.
However, on Monday he said he would not refer to the energy dispute again during his speech on Friday, as US President Joe Biden had responded positively to his concerns.
“There’s a different tone. There’s a respectful attitude. It’s more of a reaffirmation of respect for our national sovereignty,” Lopez Obrador told a regular press conference, referring to a letter he says he received from Mr. Biden.
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said last week that the energy dispute was not on the agenda of what is called the high-level economic dialogue between the United States and Mexico. Mr. Blinken was to meet Mr. Lopez Obrador during his visit.