Mexico and Peru restore diplomatic relations after asylum row

Mexico and Peru have mended their diplomatic ties, which had been strained due to a dispute over Mexico granting asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused in connection with a 2022 coup attempt.

In November 2025, Mexico extended asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez.

A joint declaration issued on August 7 by Lima and Mexico City cited "historic ties of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation" as the motivation for the renewed relations. Both nations also reaffirmed their "respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations."

The diplomatic rift began when Betssy Chávez sought asylum at the Mexican embassy in November 2025.

Peru had previously severed diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum claim and its Congress declared the Mexican president 'persona non grata'.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá informed local media outlet RPP that Chávez had been granted safe passage and had "already left Peru." While Chávez is permitted to travel to Mexico, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry stated that Peru reserves the right "to request the eventual extradition" of Chávez.

During her daily media briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez to Mexico and reiterated her government's support for the ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.

Castillo was apprehended in December 2022 on rebellion charges after he attempted to dissolve the Peruvian congress and establish an emergency government. He was impeached hours after this attempt.

Chávez was incarcerated in June 2023 for her alleged involvement in Castillo's scheme to dissolve congress. She was released on bail by a judge in September 2025 and has denied the charges. Both she and Castillo were sentenced to over 11 years in prison last November.

The restoration of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru follows the inauguration of a new Peruvian president, Keiko Fujimori, last week.