The South African government on Thursday called for an amicable diplomatic solution between the Mexican and Ecuadorian governments, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The South African government expressed concerns on the reported attack by the Ecuadorian police on the Mexican Embassy, last week.

The attacks follows the arbitrary arrest of former Vice President Jorge Glas Espinel, who was granted political asylum by the Mexican government following his application to be provided protection from persecution.

South Africa urged both countries to find a lasting solution for the “sisterly countries of the Global South”.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said it hoped regional organisations in the Americas region and the United Nations would handle the matter, which it said had the potential to negatively affect the region and the rule of international law in the conduct of diplomatic relations.

Dirco said the attacks were in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, and in particular, the principle of inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel.