Mexico, France relaunch strained relationship

MEXICO CITY (AP) — President Enrique Pena Nieto says Mexico and France will strengthen their relationship after it was strained by the case of a Frenchwoman who was imprisoned in Mexico City on kidnapping charges.

Pena Nieto made the comments Thursday during a visit to Mexico by French President Francois Hollande.

Mexico released Florence Cassez last year after she became a cause celebre in her homeland. She had been sentenced to 60 years for kidnapping.

The case severely strained relations between the two countries under former President Felipe Calderon.

Pena Nieto says both countries want a relationship that can benefit both societies.

Hollande awarded Pena Nieto France's highest military honor, the Legion of Honor. Pena Nieto reciprocated by presenting the french president with the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle.