Gov. Abbott discusses energy with Mexico's president in Houston

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Gov. Greg Abbott says after meeting with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that he's confident the two will continue strengthening "economic and cultural bonds" between their governments.

The two leaders met Monday in Houston to discuss progress on a joint energy task force announced last year.

That agreement is designed to help Texas benefit from recent energy reforms in Mexico.

Neito was in Texas to attend a meeting this week of top oil and gas executives from around the world. Executives from ConocoPhillips and General Electric are among the invited speakers.

It was not clear whether Abbott and Nieto discussed border security. Mexican officials, who have long opposed militarization of the border, have been critical of Abbott's $800 million border security package he signed into law last year.