'Threats, lack of respect' unjustified, Mexican president tells Trump

Mexico City: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto lashed out at his US counterpart Donald Trump on Thursday amid growing tensions over migration and border security, saying "threatening attitudes and a lack of respect" were unjustified.

Speaking after Trump ordered National Guard troops to secure the US-Mexican border, Pena Nieto vowed Mexico would stand up for itself and suggested the American president was jeopardizing the two countries' relationship for domestic political gain.

"If your recent statements are caused by your frustration over internal political matters, your laws or your Congress, take it up with them, not the Mexican people. We are not going to allow negative rhetoric to define our actions," he said in a national address.