Trending Now - Cuba Closes Quito Embassy Following Ecuador's Diplomat Expulsion

WHO:

Cuba's Foreign Ministry

Ecuador's government led by President Daniel Noboa

Cuban ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez

U.S. President Donald Trump

WHAT:

Cuba is shutting down its embassy in Ecuador.

Ecuador declared Cuba’s ambassador and his diplomatic staff “persona non grata.”

The Cuban diplomatic mission left Ecuador after a 48-hour deadline expired.

The Cuban flag was removed from the embassy in Quito.

A man was seen burning a bag of papers on the roof of the Cuban Embassy.

WHERE:

Quito, Ecuador

Cuban Embassy located in northern Quito

WHEN:

Ecuador declared the Cuban diplomats persona non grata on March 4, 2026.

The Cuban embassy ceased all functions on March 6, 2026.

The deadline for the diplomats to leave expired on March 6, 2026.

WHY:

The Ecuadorian government did not provide a specific reason for expelling the diplomats, citing the Vienna Convention which allows such actions without explanation.

The diplomatic rift occurred shortly before a meeting between President Trump and several conservative Latin American leaders in Florida.

HOW:

The expulsion was executed under the framework of international diplomatic law.

Cuba has officially shut down its embassy in Ecuador after the Ecuadorian government declared Cuban ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez and his diplomatic staff “persona non grata” last Monday. The Cuban diplomatic mission ceased all functions on March 6, 2026, and the Cuban flag was removed from the embassy in Quito, with a man seen burning documents on the roof. The Ecuadorian government did not provide a specific reason for the expulsion, citing the Vienna Convention, and this diplomatic rift comes just ahead of a meeting between Trump and several conservative Latin American leaders in Florida.