Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba

Comuniqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, in response to the arbitrary, unjustified, and hostile decision of the government of the Republic of Ecuador to declare all Cuban diplomatic, consular, and administrative personnel accredited in that country persona non grata, and given the impossibility of maintaining diplomatic representation, has decided to cease using the building used as the headquarters of the Cuban Embassy and to withdraw, with immediate effect, all attributes and symbols identifying its diplomatic mission in Quito.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, in response to the arbitrary, unjustified, and hostile decision by the government of the Republic of Ecuador to declare all Cuban diplomatic, consular, and administrative personnel accredited in that country persona non grata, and given the impossibility of maintaining a diplomatic representation, has decided to vacate the property used as the Embassy of Cuba and to remove, with immediate effect, all attributes and identifying symbols of its diplomatic mission in Quito.

On March 4, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador informed, through a Verbal Note, of its decision to declare all diplomatic, consular, and administrative personnel of the Cuban Embassy in Quito persona non grata, without providing any justification, and gave 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.

Islamabad, March 5, 2026. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Damián Cordero Torres, had the privilege of being received on a courtesy visit by Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Political Advisor and Acting High Commissioner of South Africa in Pakistan.

Nicosia, Cyprus, March 5, 2026. — The Cuban ambassador to Cyprus, Rubén Pino Martínez, signed on the morning of Thursday, March 5, the condolence book opened at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this capital after the Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, was assassinated, in clear violation of the norms of international law and respect for human dignity.

In his message, the Cuban diplomat conveyed to the Iranian authorities and the family members of the distinguished statesman the heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Cuban people and government, highlighting his legacy as a leader of his people as well as his contribution to strengthening the relations of friendship and cooperation between Cuba and Iran, based on mutual respect.

Islamabad, March 5, 2026.

Kingstown, March 5, 2026 — The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Carlos Ernesto Rodríguez Etcheverry, held a cordial and fruitful meeting with the Minister of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Shevern John.

During the exchange, both authorities discussed the current state of bilateral relations and explored new opportunities for cooperation in areas related to social welfare, community work, and the protection of national heritage. The Cuban Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to continue strengthening the historic bonds of friendship and solidarity that unite Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in sectors of high social impact.

Minister Shevern John acknowledged Cuba’s contribution to the development of the Caribbean region, especially in areas such as healthcare, human resource training, and technical assistance, and expressed interest in identifying joint initiatives

Today, the main news outlets in Antigua and Barbuda gave wide coverage to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, rejecting the arbitrary and unfounded decision by the current Government of the Republic of Ecuador to expel all diplomatic personnel from the Cuban Embassy in that South American country.