(VOVworld) – The foreign ministry of Venezuela on Thursday expelled the ambassador and three other Panamanian diplomats. The move came a day after the government of President Nicolas Maduro decided to sever political and diplomatic ties as well as immediately freeze all economic and trade relations with Panama.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro decided to break ties with Panama. Photo: internet

A communiqué posted on the Venezuelan foreign ministry’s website clearly stated that the Panamanian Ambassador Pedro Roberto Pereira, charge d'affaires Jaime Serrano, and two other embassy officials had been ordered to leave Venezuela within 48 hours. The Venezuelan government attributed the decision to these diplomats’ speeches and actions intervening in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Panamanian Foreign Minister Mayra Arosemena immediately confirmed the information and said that his government hoped to maintain the best possible relations with Venezuela despite current diplomatic tensions between the two countries.