Ecuador has not broken diplomatic relations with Cuba: minister

Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the country has not severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, despite recent tensions involving the closure of the Cuban embassy in Quito. The government of President Daniel Noboa declared Cuba’s ambassador and diplomatic staff “persona non grata” on March 4, 2026, granting them 48 hours to leave the country. In response, Cuba’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the termination of its embassy’s operations and the removal of its flag from the Quito mission, while reiterating its “regret” over what it described as an “unfriendly action” according to their statement.

While the physical presence of Cuban diplomats has ended, Ecuadorian officials emphasized that formal diplomatic ties remain intact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the measure was taken under the framework of international diplomatic law, specifically the Vienna Convention, which permits countries to declare diplomats persona non grata without explanation. The abrupt departure of Cuban personnel followed an earlier executive order by Noboa revoking the diplomatic status of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba.

Observers note the move aligns with broader regional dynamics, including Ecuador’s alignment with U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who has intensified pressure on Cuba through restrictions on oil sales and other measures. The situation underscores the fragility of bilateral relations in the context of geopolitical shifts, though Ecuador’s assertion that diplomatic relations remain unbroken suggests room for future engagement. Investors may monitor how this episode affects regional trade and cooperation initiatives.