Mexico and Peru have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations after a disagreement over the asylum granted to Betssy Chávez. A joint statement from the two governments released on 7 August said their historical bonds of 'brotherhood, friendship and cooperation' were central to the resolution. The move comes nearly a year after relations were severed over Chávez’s asylum application in Mexico.
Chávez granted asylum in 2025
The diplomatic rupture began in November 2025 when Chávez, then in exile, applied for asylum in the Mexican embassy in Peru. The Peruvian Congress responded by declaring Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum 'persona non grata'. Peruvian Foreign Minister Carlos Espá said at the time that Chávez had been given safe passage and had 'already left Peru'. Mexico allowed Chávez to travel to its territory but Peru kept open the possibility of extradition.
Chávez and Castillo’s legal entanglements
Chávez was imprisoned in June 2023 after being implicated in former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo’s failed attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022. Castillo was arrested and later impeached. Chávez was released on bail in September 2025 and denied any wrongdoing. In November 2025, both she and Castillo were sentenced to over 11 years in prison.
The restoration of ties is likely influenced by the recent change in leadership in Peru, where Keiko Fujimori became president on 28 November 2025. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Chávez to Mexico, stating her government would continue to support Castillo despite Peru’s position.