Santa Fe, New Mexico - Democratic legislators Bill McCamley and Angelica Rubio of Las Cruces and Javier Martinez of Albuquerque have sent a letter to President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico formally inviting him to address the New Mexico House of Representatives during the 2017 legislative session, which began on January 17.

Peña Nieto had been scheduled to meet today with President Donald Trump, but the meeting was cancelled over disputes about which country will pay for a wall that Trump proposes will be built on the southern border.

The letter from the three legislators begins by mentioning the "long and fruitful relationship" between both the people and the governments of New Mexico and Mexico. It discusses our shared cultures and interconnected economies, as well as the extensive cooperation in the areas of higher education and research.

"We here in the New Mexico state House of Representatives understand that our futures are intertwined and know when the people of Mexico thrive, we do as well," the letter said. "As our communities grow and succeed, the benefits extend across the border, uplifting both our peoples."

The letter makes no mention of the dispute between the two federal governments. But, it closes with, "Your attendance would be a small step towards a world where people treat each other with respect, dignity and compassion."

McCamley said they reached out to Mexican officials on Thursday to let them know that the invitation would be coming the next day, and they are now just waiting to hear back from them.

"We think that inviting the president to speak, and building bridges instead of walls, is the better policy and sends the better message," McCamley said.

The Legislature will be in session until noon, March 18.