Mexico and Peru have restored diplomatic ties after a fight over Betssy Chávez, who sought asylum in Mexico’s embassy after her coup-related case.
Mexico and Peru have restored diplomatic relations after a sharp dispute over the asylum case of former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, drawing a line under a break that followed months of political tension. The move marks a reset for the Mexico and Peru relationship after both governments traded hard positions over Chávez’s stay in the Mexican embassy.
In a joint statement released on 7 August, the two capitals said their decision was driven by “historic ties of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation.” They also said they reaffirmed their respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá told local outlet RPP that Chávez had been granted safe passage and had “already left Peru.” Peru added that it still keeps the right to seek her extradition later.
The dispute began after Chávez sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in November 2025. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez to Mexico and used her daily briefing to repeat her government’s support for former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo. Peru responded by cutting diplomatic ties with Mexico, and its Congress also declared Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” a sign of how deeply the dispute had cut into bilateral relations.
“Mexico and Peru have restored diplomatic ties after a fight over Betssy Chávez, who sought asylum in Mexico’s embassy after her coup-related case.”
At the center of the row is the fallout from Castillo’s failed bid in December 2022 to dissolve congress and form an emergency government. Peruvian officials arrested him on rebellion charges after the attempt, and he was impeached hours later. Chávez was later imprisoned in June 2023 over her alleged role in the plan to dissolve congress. A judge released her on bail in September 2025, and she denied the charges against her. Both Chávez and Castillo were sentenced to more than 11 years in prison last November.
The latest diplomatic thaw also comes with a change in Peru’s leadership. The restoration of ties followed the inauguration of new Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori last week, giving both countries a chance to step back from a confrontation that had become part legal fight, part political standoff, and part test of regional diplomacy.
For Americans watching Latin America, the Mexico and Peru relationship matters because disputes over asylum, extradition, and political refugees can quickly spill across borders and strain alliances. It also shows how old constitutional crises continue to shape diplomacy long after the first arrests and impeachments. The main thing to watch now is whether Peru follows through on any extradition request and whether both governments can keep the peace from here.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Mexico and Peru break relations in the first place?
Peru cut ties after Betssy Chávez sought asylum in Mexico’s embassy in November 2025. The asylum move followed her prosecution in the case tied to Pedro Castillo’s attempted dissolution of congress.
Has Betssy Chávez left Peru?
Peru’s foreign minister said Chávez had been granted safe passage and had already left the country. Peru also said it retains the right to seek her extradition.
What role did Pedro Castillo play in the dispute?
Castillo is central to the case because Chávez was accused of helping in his plan to dissolve congress. She and Castillo were both later sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.
What changed to allow the countries to restore ties?
The joint statement cited historic ties between the two nations and a shared respect for international law. The decision also came after Keiko Fujimori became Peru’s new president.
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