Peru’s President-elect Fujimori says she wants to restore ties with Mexico

Peru's incoming president has signaled a willingness to repair diplomatic ties with Mexico, marking a potential shift in relations between the neighboring countries. The diplomatic rupture originated in November when Mexico extended political asylum to Betssy Chavez, a former prime minister under left-wing President Pedro Castillo.

Castillo's presidency ended in December 2022 after he attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree, prompting his cabinet to resign and Congress to proceed with his removal. Castillo subsequently faced prosecution for treason and rebellion, receiving a prison sentence exceeding 11 years. Mexico had previously indicated that Castillo had sought asylum at its embassy before his arrest and subsequently granted asylum to members of his family.

Chavez, who resigned during Castillo's attempted power consolidation, similarly sought and obtained asylum at the Mexican embassy. She was subsequently sentenced to approximately 11 years in prison by a Peruvian court. Peru's government characterized Mexico's asylum decisions as interference in its internal affairs and declared the Mexican president persona non grata.

Mexico rejected Peru's characterization, asserting that its asylum decisions align with international law and its established humanitarian traditions. Fujimori's statement suggests a potential de-escalation, though Mexican President Sheinbaum indicated she has not yet engaged directly with the president-elect and reiterated Mexico's position regarding Castillo's detention.