Peru breaks off diplomatic relations with Mexico over ex-PM's asylum request

4/11/2025 6:20

Peru has decided to break off diplomatic relations with Mexico, the Andean nation's foreign minister said on Monday, after starting the process to grant asylum to Peru's former prime minister.



Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told journalists that Mexico had committed the "unfriendly act" of opening an asylum process to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who served under President Pedro Castillo.



Mexico's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



Castillo was removed from office and arrested in late 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress. Chavez is also facing criminal charges for her alleged role.



In September, Chavez denied that she had attempted to flee to the Mexican embassy in Peru as Castillo's bid to break up Congress was underway. Her driver testified that Chavez requested he take her there, before returning to her office.