Mexico, Peru Reopen Diplomatic Doors After Asylum Rift

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:22:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mexico and Peru restore diplomatic relations after a tense asylum dispute involving former PM Betssy Chávez, signaling a diplomatic thaw in the region.

Mexico and Peru have agreed to re‑establish diplomatic ties following a row over the asylum of former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez. The two nations cited longstanding friendship and shared interests in their reconciliation. The move comes after Chávez was granted safe passage and left Peru, while the Peruvian Foreign Ministry affirmed its right to seek her extradition. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez, echoing support for the ousted Peruvian president Pedro Castillo. The restoration of relations follows the election of Keiko Fujimori and reflects a broader push toward stability in Latin America.

Mexico and Peru have agreed to re‑establish diplomatic relations following a row over the granting of asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, who is accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.

In a joint statement released on 7 August, Lima and Mexico City said "historic ties of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation" prompted the reconciliation. The two countries also reaffirmed "their respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations".

Relations broke down after former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in November 2025. She was later granted safe passage and has already left Peru, per Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá, who told local media outlet RPP that the former prime minister had received a judicial release on bail in September 2025.

While allowed to travel to Mexico, Peru maintains the right "to request the eventual extradition" of Chávez, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry added in a statement. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez to Mexico and reiterated her government’s support for the ousted Peruvian president Pedro Castillo, who was arrested in December 2022 on charges of rebellion after attempting to dismiss members of the Peruvian Congress.

Chávez had been imprisoned in June 2023 over her alleged role in Castillo’s plan to dissolve the congress, was released on bail in September 2025, and denied the charges. Both she and Castillo were sentenced to more than 11 years in prison last November.

The restoration of diplomatic relations comes after a new Peruvian president, Keiko Fujimori, took office last week, indicating a potential shift toward normalising foreign ties in the region.