Peru Mexico diplomatic relations Chávez Sheinbaum

Background of the diplomatic crisis

According to sources in Lima and Mexico City, the resumption of diplomatic relations also includes the exchange of ambassadors at the respective level. This closes a chapter that had strained relations between the two Latin American states since the political upheaval in Peru.

Betssy Chávez had served as prime minister in the government of Pedro Castillo. After Castillo's fall in December 2022 and the subsequent change of power in Lima, Chávez had sought refuge in the Mexican Embassy. Mexico granted her political asylum, which led to a serious rift between the two governments.

Peru had recalled its ambassador from Mexico City and reduced relations to a minimum. Peruvian justice accuses Chávez of, among other things, ties to the Castillo government. Chávez rejects the allegations and speaks of political persecution. An extradition request from Peru had previously been rejected by the Mexican side.

Domestic political reactions in Peru

Opposition politicians such as Keiko Fujimori had sharply criticized Mexico's acceptance of Chávez and called on the Peruvian government to take a tough line with Mexico City. The government in Lima had in turn argued that any form of asylum in an embassy building violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

With Chávez's departure and the announced resumption of relations, a relaxation in the bilateral relationship is now emerging. Both sides signaled their willingness to intensify diplomatic cooperation in the areas of trade, migration, and regional security again. Cultural and consular ties are also to be gradually normalized.

Outlook on bilateral relations

The diplomatic crisis had at times raised questions about the stance of Latin American states toward one another. Observers saw it as a test case for dealing with politically persecuted persons in the region's embassies. The solution through a controlled departure and parallel normalization of relations is regarded as a pragmatic compromise.

The Peruvian Foreign Ministry said it would continue to closely monitor developments in Mexico. At the same time, the judiciary will continue its investigations against Chávez regardless of her whereabouts. Chávez herself has not publicly commented on the allegations from Lima so far.

Both governments emphasized that the resumption of diplomatic relations does not constitute a statement on ongoing judicial proceedings. The normalization is exclusively a matter of state relations between the two capitals, according to the Mexican Foreign Ministry.