Mexico has expelled north Korea's ambassador to the country in protest over north Korea's nuclear test, after it expelled the north's ambassador for non-interference in foreign affairs.

Mexico said the test was a "flagrant violation" of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

"The Mexican government announced today that the democratic People's Republic of Korea ambassador Kim Hyong Gil to persona non grata, limit its leave Mexico within 72 hours," Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

"By taking this diplomatic action, Mexico has expressed its firm opposition to the north Korean government's recent nuclear activities.

This activity is a flagrant violation of international law and constitutes a serious threat to the region and the world, "the Mexican foreign ministry said.

North Korea's latest nuclear test, the country's sixth and largest, has threatened "important Allies" in Mexico, including Japan and South Korea.

Mexico's move could be seen as backing the us.

The United States is pushing the United Nations to impose tough sanctions on Kim Jong Un's regime, including a ban on north Korean imports of oil, exports of textiles and a ban on hiring north koreans abroad.

In addition, Mexico is engaged in delicate trade negotiations with the us, and the us, Mexico and Canada are seeking to amend the north American free trade agreement (Nafta).

Mexico, meanwhile, is urging the United States not to lift the protection of so-called "dreamers" -- Mexican immigrants who arrived when they were children.

US President Donald Trump said this week that he would give congress six months to legislate the issue.

Foreign minister Louis took office in January than degas lai (Luis Videgaray), under the leadership of Mexico on other diplomatic issues also took a more positive position, such as in Latin American countries take the lead in efforts to venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro (Nicolas Maduro) pressure.

On north Korea, diplomats say Russia and China, which have veto power over the UN security council, are likely to push for "dilution" of the north Korean regime.

President Vladimir Putin has said the sanctions will have little effect.

However, Carlos DE Icaza, Mexico's first deputy foreign minister, said the expulsion of the north Korean ambassador should not be interpreted as Mexico's support for the us push for tougher sanctions against the north.

"This has nothing to do with us efforts, but rather the position of Mexico as a long-time supporter of non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament," he told the financial times.