Cuba Closes Embassy in Ecuador Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

Cuba has announced the closure of its embassy in Ecuador following the Ecuadorian government's declaration of its ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez García, as persona non grata. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Cuban diplomatic staff to leave the country, which Cuba described as an 'arbitrary and hostile' act. This decision marks a significant shift in the historically cooperative relations between the two nations, coinciding with Ecuador's strengthening ties with the United States, particularly in security matters. The U.S. recently initiated joint military operations in Ecuador against organizations labeled as terrorist by the previous U.S. administration.

Key Details: • Cuba's embassy closure is effective immediately. • Ecuador's government provided a 48-hour deadline for Cuban diplomats to exit. • The diplomatic rift occurs as Ecuador increases cooperation with the U.S. on security.