Mexico Entrusts Switzerland with Diplomatic Representation in Ecuador Amid Ongoing Dispute
The Government of Mexico has taken another definitive step in distancing itself from Ecuador amidst rising diplomatic tensions. In a significant move, Mexico has reached an agreement with Switzerland to act as its diplomatic representative and exercise consular functions in Quito. This arrangement follows the violent assault on the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador ordered by President Daniel Noboa to capture former Vice President Jorge Glas.
The agreement was finalized during the peace summit in Ukraine, where Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena and her Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, signed the document. This agreement ensures the safeguarding of Mexico's interests in Ecuador and the protection of Mexican citizens and diplomatic assets. Switzerland's role will be to provide consular services and represent Mexico diplomatically in Ecuador.
The breakdown of relations stems from a dramatic incident in April when Ecuadorian police scaled the walls of the Mexican Embassy to forcibly detain Jorge Glas, leading to the abrupt departure of 18 Mexican diplomats. Mexico condemned the act and lodged a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Ecuador of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which enshrines the inviolability of diplomatic missions and the right to asylum.
The diplomatic fallout has had a considerable impact, particularly on the thousands of Ecuadorians residing in Mexico. Since 2022, approximately 115,000 Ecuadorians have crossed Mexican territory irregularly, largely driven by violence and economic instability in Ecuador. In response to the diplomatic rift, Ecuador initially sought a similar consular agreement with Peru.
Mexico's stance on reestablishing diplomatic ties with Ecuador remains firm, as reaffirmed by Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican presidential election winner. She highlighted that any future dialogue must be predicated on Ecuador's public apology and recognition of the right to asylum.
On their part, Ecuadorian authorities have remained tight-lipped on the matter, with President Noboa viewing the ICJ's initial decisions favorably. Noboa has contended that the asylum granted to Glas was illegal due to his convictions for corruption. A Court of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador had also upheld the legality of Glas's detention under the state of exception.
- Alicia Bárcena has emphasized that Swiss mediation does not signal the start of a diplomatic dialogue with Ecuador, effectively closing the door on that possibility. The ICJ's ruling on this unprecedented case remains awaited, and it will set a crucial precedent concerning the Vienna Convention's stipulations.
- The diplomatic conflict between Mexico and Ecuador continues to evolve, with both countries seeking resolutions through international legal frameworks. The involvement of Switzerland as a neutral intermediary could influence future diplomatic protocols and the handling of asylum cases globally.
