LIMA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto called on Saturday for relations between Mexico and the United States to be based on "mutual respect" ahead of a meeting with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence at the eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru.

Speaking to the press ahead of the meeting, Pena Nieto said they would discuss the renegotiation of NAFTA and that he would also demand a respectful relationship.

"The purpose of this meeting is not only to address the topic of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but also to speak of the bilateral relationship, a relationship we must maintain through collaboration and mutual respect," he said.

However, the president avoided answering questions about U.S. President Donald Trump's intention to build a border wall.

Pence has earlier confirmed that the meeting would tackle NAFTA among a "broad range of issues."

Pence expressed his pleasure for being able to meet with Pena Nieto, despite the tensions that have grown between the neighbors over the last year.

Pence appeared to be positive about NAFTA, telling the press there was a "real possibility" a deal could be struck "within the next several weeks."

Relations between Mexico City and Washington have been uneasy due to Trump accusing Mexico of having harmed the American economy, of sending criminals across the border, and has threatened to pull out of NAFTA.