Mexico and Peru restore diplomatic relations after asylum row

Mexico and Peru have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations following a row over the granting of asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister who was charged for 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.

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Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá told local media outlet RPP that Chávez had been granted safe passage and had "already left Peru".

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.

Speaking at her daily media briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez to Mexico as she reiterated her government's support for ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.

Castillo was arrested in December 2022 on charges of rebellion, after he attempted to dismiss Peruvian congress members and install an emergency government. Hours after the attempt, Castillo was impeached.

Chávez had been imprisoned in June 2023 over her alleged role in Castillo's plan to dissolve congress. She had been released by a judge on bail in September 2025 and had denied the charges against her.

She and Castillo were both sentenced to more than 11 years in prison last November.

The restoration of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru comes after a new Peruvian president, Keiko Fujimori, took office last week.

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