Peru and Mexico announced on Friday, August 7, that they are restoring diplomatic relations following the departure of former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez. The announcement ends a diplomatic crisis that led Peru to sever ties with Mexico at the end of 2025.
Chávez left Peru for Mexican territory after the government of Peru's new president, Keiko Fujimori, granted her safe passage. Chávez had sought refuge in November 2025 at the residence of the Mexican ambassador in Lima and received political asylum from the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The asylum decision prompted an angry response from Lima, which accused Mexico of interfering in Peru's internal affairs. Peru severed diplomatic ties, and the Peruvian Congress declared Sheinbaum persona non grata.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá stated that Chávez departed at midnight on Thursday in good health. Mexican officials reported that she was transported to Mexico on a military aircraft. Peruvian authorities stated that Lima has not closed the legal case against Chávez and retains the right to request her extradition in the future.
Origin of the diplomatic crisis
The dispute between the two nations stemmed from the political crisis in Peru following the removal of former president Pedro Castillo in December 2022. Castillo was removed from power after attempting to dissolve Congress and was arrested while heading to the Mexican embassy to request political asylum.
Chávez, who served as prime minister under Castillo, faced accusations over her alleged role in the events surrounding the attempt to dissolve Congress. Mexico supported Castillo and granted political asylum to his wife and children, causing severe strain in relations with Lima.
Both countries had been operating without ambassadors since early 2023. The final breakdown occurred in November 2025 after Mexico extended political asylum to Chávez.
Rapprochement under President Keiko Fujimori
The diplomatic thaw began following the election of Keiko Fujimori, who stated after her victory that she had every intention of restoring diplomatic relations with Mexico. Sheinbaum responded positively, stating that the Mexican government also wished to repair relations.
On July 29, one day after taking office on July 28, Fujimori was contacted by Mexico's foreign minister, according to Sheinbaum, who reported that both nations were moving toward normalization.
The two governments later issued a joint statement announcing the formal resumption of diplomatic relations, citing historical ties of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation between their peoples.
