UPDATE: 1 Mexico has stated that it will continue to maintain relations with Peru despite the diplomatic spat

(Updates with additional context and information)

MEXICO CITY, Dec 21 (Reuters) –

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, President, said Wednesday that he would continue diplomatic ties with Peru. This was just a day after Lima had announced that it was exiling the Mexican ambassador because of his interference in Peru’s domestic affairs.

Lopez Obrador, who has repeatedly supported ousted Peruvian leader Pedro Castillo angered Peru’s government. Officials stated that Castillo’s family arrived at Mexico on Wednesday to obtain political asylum.

Lopez Obrador declared Mexico’s ties with Peru, a day after Peru declared Pablo Monroy, Mexican Ambassador, persona nu grata.

Lopez Obrador stated to reporters, “We aren’t going to expel anyone.”

Lopez Obrador once again attacked the Peruvian government and called its legitimacy into question. He also took aim at U.S. officials in his meeting with Peru’s new president.

Martin Borrego, a high-ranking Mexican official in the foreign ministry, stated earlier that Castillo’s relatives had been received to Mexico and granted political asylum.

Borrego shared a photo of Castillo’s wife Lilia Paredes and their son and daughter on Twitter. The family was staying at the Mexican Embassy in Peru.

Lopez Obrador said that Mexico is open to Castillo. Castillo is currently being held in pre-trial custody under investigation for rebellion, conspiracy. (Reporting by RaulCortes and Dave Graham; Writing and Editing by Kylie Madry; Editing done by Nick Macfie