The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) has vehemently condemned the Ecuadorian government's decision to expel all personnel from the Cuban Embassy in Quito, describing it as "arbitrary and unjustified."
The Cuban foreign ministry claims that the measure declared the entire diplomatic, consular, and administrative staff as persona non grata—"without providing any justification"—and gave them a 48-hour deadline to leave the country.
According to the statement from Havana, this is an "unfriendly and unprecedented act" that significantly harms the "historic ties of friendship and cooperation" between the two nations and their peoples. The move also reflects the current Ecuadorian government's "disregard" for the diplomatic norms and courtesies followed by the international community.
MINREX asserted "categorically" that its embassy staff in Quito strictly adhered to Ecuador's laws and regulations and did not interfere in internal affairs, "as mandated by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."
The Cuban government links the expulsion to U.S. pressure. The Cuban foreign ministry added that Ecuador's decision comes amid a context of "increased aggression" from the United States against Cuba and "strong pressure" from Washington on third countries to align with this policy, just days before a summit scheduled in Miami on March 7 with a "small group" of regional government representatives.
In its statement, the Cuban regime expressed confidence that the Ecuadorian people will continue to uphold the bonds of solidarity and brotherhood with the island.
Ecuador's decision to expel the Cuban diplomatic staff in Quito marks one of the most tense episodes in bilateral relations between Quito and Havana in recent years.
The announcement was made by Ecuadorian authorities after declaring the Cuban embassy officials persona non grata.
The diplomatic crisis escalated when Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa publicly alleged that documents were being destroyed inside the Cuban diplomatic mission following the expulsion order.
In this context, local media reported the presence of Ecuadorian military personnel around the Cuban embassy in Quito, amid a climate of growing political tension.
Key Questions About the Diplomatic Crisis Between Cuba and Ecuador
What prompted Ecuador to expel Cuban embassy staff?
Ecuador declared the Cuban embassy staff persona non grata, which the Cuban government claims was done without providing any justification.
How has Cuba responded to Ecuador's expulsion decision?
Cuba has condemned the decision as arbitrary and unjustified, stating it damages the historic friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Has the diplomatic crisis affected relations between the two countries?
Yes, the expulsion marks one of the most tense episodes in recent years in the relationship between Quito and Havana.