Mexico and Peru Reestablish Diplomatic Ties After Betssy Chávez Asylum Row

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:23:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mexico and Peru have restored relations following a dispute over the asylum granted to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, who was charged in a 2022 coup attempt.

In a joint statement on August 7, Mexico and Peru renewed diplomatic relations, citing historic brotherhood, friendship and cooperation and reaffirming respect for international law. The fracas began when former Peruvian PM Betssy Chávez sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in November 2025 after being charged with aiding a 2022 coup attempt. Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá confirmed Chávez had been granted safe passage and had left Peru, while the ministry maintains the right to request extradition. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez and reaffirmed support for former president Pedro Castillo, who had been imprisoned and sentenced to over 11 years. The diplomatic thaw comes as Peru’s new president, Keiko Fujimori, takes office, signaling a shift in the country’s political landscape.

Mexico and Peru have reestablished diplomatic relations following a fallout over the asylum granted to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez.

In a joint statement released on 7 August, both capitals cited historic bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation and reaffirmed their respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The dispute stemmed from Chávez’s appeal for asylum in the Mexican embassy in November 2025 after she was charged with assisting a 2022 coup attempt against the Peruvian government. She had earlier been imprisoned in June 2023 but was released on bail in September 2025 and denied the charges.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá told a local media outlet that Chávez had been given safe passage, “and has already left Peru.” Peru also stated it retains the right to request her extradition, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed her arrival and reiterated support for the ousted former President Pedro Castillo, who was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison last November.

The restoration of diplomatic ties comes immediately after Keiko Fujimori took office in Peru, highlighting a new chapter in the country's evolving political dynamics.