Washington - President-elect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Monday, keeping with the pre- inaugural tradition of sitting down with the leader of the United States' southern neighbour.

Obama and Calderon gathered at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington for a discussion on bilateral issues. Immigration will likely be a key issue on the agenda between the two countries as Obama is set to take office January 20.

Calderon is expected to meet with President George W Bush at the White House on Tuesday for their final meeting. dpa