Peru and Mexico Restore Ties After Asylum Deal for Ex-Minister

Peru and Mexico have formally restored diplomatic relations, ending a rupture that began earlier this month. The breakthrough came after Peru granted safe passage to Betssy Chávez, a former prime minister under ex-President Pedro Castillo, who had been sheltering in the Mexican embassy in Lima.

Chávez, who was granted diplomatic asylum by Mexico, traveled to Mexican territory on Thursday aboard an aircraft of the Peruvian armed forces. The move was confirmed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, speaking in the Junín region, expressed satisfaction with the restoration of ties, calling the two nations "sister nations and friends with a long history of friendship." She noted that resolving the situation around Chávez had helped facilitate the diplomatic reset.

While granting safe passage, Peru's Foreign Ministry issued a communiqué clarifying that this was done "without prejudice to the Peruvian State's right to request the eventual extradition of Ms Chávez," should Peruvian judicial authorities seek it under applicable treaties.

Fujimori also acknowledged Mexico's stance on Castillo, who was impeached and imprisoned in December 2022 after attempting to suspend Congress. She affirmed that Peru respects the authority of its judiciary, which has convicted Castillo in the first instance.

The two governments issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations. Both sides now expect to appoint ambassadors in the coming days, signaling a full normalization of relations.