The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaumwas consulted about the presence of a Mexican delegation in Peruvian lands due to the development of the APEC Forum 2024which takes place in our country. When asked if this commission sent to Peru meant a possible reestablishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, the president responded that it was only a participation within the international forumthus ruling out the possibility of an immediate restitution of said relationships.
As recalled, diplomatic relations between Peru and Mexico deteriorated after the incidents that occurred during the assumption of power of Dina Boluarte. After the relatives of former president Pedro Castillo were granted asylum in the North American country, the then president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)decided to break relations with Peru, arguing that the Boluarte government was a “usurper.”
Sheinbaum’s statements open a space for debate in the midst of Peru’s repositioning in the international system. In The Republicwe decided to contrast the opinions of different specialists about this new tense moment in the diplomatic relationship between Peru and Mexico.
“Not continuing with Mexico-Peru cooperative relations would impact many multilateral factors”
For the internationalist lawyer Gerardo Gonzalesgeneral director of the International Studies Program “Justice and Human Rights” of the National University of Trujillo (UNT)there are sufficient indications to believe in a possible reestablishment of relations between Peru and Mexico, despite political differences. “The crux of the matter is that, with the events related to the former president Pedro Castillo and the then Mexican president, the current tension between Peru and Mexico has worsened. However, although the issue of whether or not to continue diplomatic relations is a matter of political visions, There have been indirect signals or gestures from Mexico that could aim to reestablish relations maintained for years.“he stated.
Gonzáles considers that, despite the statements of Sheinbaumthe presence of Mexican representatives in the APEC Forum 2024 It is a positive signal towards an eventual diplomatic ‘reconciliation’. Furthermore, he highlighted that this participation could be motivated by economic interests of Mexico: “(…) During the current development of APEC, a delegation of top-level officials and businessmen representing Mexico was present. This represents important gestures towards Peru that, from a diplomatic analysis, could mean a beginning or attempt to reestablish diplomatic relations. It is clear that, strategically and internationally, not continuing with Mexico-Peru cooperative relations would impact many multilateral factors such as the economy, trade and education,” he concluded.
“As long as Dina Boluarte is here, this will be the tone of the Mexican government”
Ramiro Escobarinternationalist and professor of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP)considered that the statements of the Mexican president are to be expected, given that they follow the line set by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador: “I think that the president’s statements Claudia Sheinbaum They are predictable, since they are in line with what I said Andrés Manuel López Obrador, his mentor and predecessor as president. Furthermore, since his mandate has just begun, I do not believe that the logic of the relationship between Mexico and Peru will change in the short term,” he indicated.
However, Escobar pointed out that there are notable differences between Sheinbaum and López Obrador, which could influence an eventual review of diplomatic relations: “(Claudia Sheinbaum) has a different disposition than López Obrador; she is a calmer and more serene person, and not so confrontational in his statements as AMLO used to be. However, political prudence suggests that a president does not distance himself too much from his predecessor. Probably, in a few months, he will review the relationship with Peru. I understand that the former foreign minister will come. Marcelo Ebrardand, despite what President Sheinbaum said, it is possible that talks will begin to reduce tensions.”
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Escobar also highlighted the crucial role of Dina Boluarte in Mexico’s decision to maintain its position towards Peru. According to the internationalist, as long as Boluarte remains in power, the Mexican government is likely to maintain its current line. However, her eventual departure could open the door to a new stage in relations between both countries: “As long as Dina Boluarte is in the presidency, that will be the tone of the statements of the Mexican government. However, I am hopeful that that will change, perhaps when Boluarte is no longer in power. Mexico and Peru cannot maintain this position indefinitely; It seems detrimental to both peoples, to both governments and, also, to commercial exchange,” he concluded.
