Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Peru after the Congress of Peru elected leftist politician José María Balcázar as president. Sheinbaum indicated that both countries must evaluate the feasibility of re-establishing ties once Balcázar is officially in office. This comes after a significant diplomatic rift that began when former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was removed from power and imprisoned following an attempted self-coup in December 2022.

The breakdown in relations occurred after Castillo's controversial efforts to dissolve the Peruvian Congress, an action that led to his swift impeachment and the subsequent deterioration of bilateral diplomatic ties. Sheinbaum referenced the investigation into Balcázar for corruption and his connections to Castillo's political party, emphasizing that while Mexico is open to dialogue, the initiative must come from Peru, which severed relations in November 2025.

The context of these diplomatic tensions highlights the political complexities in Latin America, particularly among leftist governments. The potential thaw in relations underscores Mexico's strategic approach to engage with its regional partners, even as concerns regarding governance and stability in Peru remain central to the discussion on renewing ties. Sheinbaum's comments signal an attempt to navigate these challenges while fostering goodwill in the region, marking a significant step in Mexican foreign policy towards Peru after years of hostilities.