Hugo de Zela

Hugo de Zela Martínez trained at Peru’s Diplomatic Academy after studies in economics and administration in Uruguay, later undertaking doctoral studies in political science in Argentina. His career included the embassies in Argentina and Brazil, representation to the Organization of American States, coordination in the Rio Group, and service on Peru’s delegation in the 1997–1998 negotiations with Ecuador. ¹

Washington was familiar ground before he became bilateral ambassador. He twice headed the OAS secretary-general’s cabinet, in 1989–1994 and 2011–2015. After serving as vice foreign minister from April 2018 to April 2019, he took up the American embassy and coordinated the Lima Group. He presented credentials to President Donald Trump on 8 July 2019. ¹

In 2021 President Francisco Sagasti explicitly thanked de Zela alongside the foreign and health ministries and the prime minister for the work that secured American vaccine donations. Two shipments completed a donation of about two million doses in June and July. De Zela later returned to cabinet office as foreign minister in October 2025. He was reconfirmed in March 2026 and was succeeded by Carlos Pareja in April. ^{2, 3, 4}