MEXICO CITY, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday that Mexico and the United States have made progress on a development plan to invest 10 billion U.S. dollars in southern Mexico and Central America.

He said that the progress was made through his meeting on Tuesday with Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.

"We basically (addressed) the issue of cooperation for development, so that we can sign a bilateral agreement to guarantee investments in Central America and the country, in the amount of 10 billion U.S. dollars," he said.

The president explained that the investments aim "to have jobs, to have work and that migration becomes optional, voluntary, not forced due to lack of opportunities or violence."

The idea is "to have investments, generate jobs and drive economic growth, not only in Mexico, but also in Central American countries," he noted.

During a press conference, Lopez Obrador said his meeting with Kushner was positive and done "on good terms."

He added that Mexico seeks to maintain a respectful and friendly bilateral relationship with the United States, as well as sealing the cooperation agreement for development in Central America and Mexico.