March 4, 2026.
The government of Ecuador declared Cuban ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez García persona non grata, along with all diplomatic personnel from that mission, giving them 48 hours to leave the country.
The decision was taken in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which empowers the receiving State to declare the head of mission or any member of the diplomatic staff persona non grata at any time and without having to give reasons.
This notification, which is circulating on social media, does not mention the reasons for the measure or clarify whether it will lead to a break in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The provision applies to Ambassador Gutiérrez and the 22 members of the diplomatic, consular, and administrative staff accredited in Quito.
At the same time, through Decree 317, President Daniel Noboa terminated the functions of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja.
Cuba’s response to the expulsion of its diplomatic personnel in Ecuador
Minrex rejects arbitrary and unjustified decision by the Ecuadorian government
March 5, 2026
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) strongly rejects the arbitrary and unjustified decision by the Ecuadorian government to expel all personnel from the Cuban Embassy in that country.
On March 4, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador informed, through a Note Verbale, of its decision to declare persona non grata, without providing any argument, all diplomatic, consular, and administrative personnel of the Cuban Embassy in Quito, giving them 48 hours to leave Ecuadorian territory.
This is an unfriendly and unprecedented act that significantly damages the historic relations of friendship and cooperation between both countries and peoples.
This action also demonstrates the current Ecuadorian government’s disregard for the diplomatic practices and courtesies observed by the international community.
The Ministry categorically reaffirms that the staff of the Cuban Embassy in Quito, as established by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, has strictly complied with Ecuador’s laws and regulations without interfering in the internal affairs of that State.
It does not seem coincidental that this action has been taken in a context characterized by the intensification of U.S. aggression against Cuba and strong pressure from the U.S. government on third countries to join in this policy, just days before the summit convened in Miami on March 7 with a small group of representatives from governments in the region.
Cuba is convinced that the Ecuadorian people will defend their ties of solidarity and brotherhood with Cuba.
Havana, March 4, 2026.