Ecuador's government has taken a surprising step by ordering the expulsion of Cuban ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez, stating he has 48 hours to leave the country. This move is seen as a significant shift in Ecuador's foreign policy, as the government of President Daniel Noboa reaffirms its commitment to international law and national interests. Along with the expulsion of the ambassador, Ecuador has also ordered its ambassador in Havana to return home immediately, indicating a cooling of relations with Cuba.

In a social media post shortly after the announcement, President Noboa shared a video depicting a Cuban official burning documents on the rooftop of the Cuban embassy. This action was met with sarcastic commentary from Noboa, who referred to the event as a "parrillada de papeles" or "paper barbecue," further emphasizing the conflict and dismissive attitude towards the Cuban government's actions. This incident not only highlights the deteriorating diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Cuba but also aligns Ecuador with the broader international condemnation of the Cuban regime led by the United States.

The expulsion comes at a time when U.S.-Cuba relations are already strained, with multiple countries evaluating their stances towards the island nation. By taking this measure, Ecuador is signaling its alignment with Washington, particularly in pressing issues related to democracy and human rights in Cuba. This shift has implications for regional stability and may invite reactions from other Latin American nations considering their diplomatic ties with Cuba and the influence of U.S. foreign policy in the region.