On March 5, 2026, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador commented on a controversial incident involving the Cuban embassy in Quito. The day before, images surfaced showing embassy staff burning documents on their rooftop, which sparked criticism from Noboa, who sarcastically questioned whether eating paper was a part of the Cuban diet. His remarks came in light of a diplomatic spat resulting in the Ecuadorian government declaring Cuban diplomats as 'persona non grata' and demanding their departure within 48 hours, citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The incident followed Ecuador's decision to terminate the functions of its ambassador in Cuba, reflecting a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Noboa stressed that important diplomatic documents should be handled through proper channels, such as through diplomatic bags, and indicated that the burning of papers raised concerns about the nature of those documents. His comments highlight a growing tension that could have implications for bilateral relations and regional diplomacy.

This exchange signifies not only a diplomatic crisis but also a broader dialogue about transparency, accountability, and the conduct of diplomats in Ecuador. Noboa's criticism may resonate with national sentiment regarding diplomatic decorum, as Ecuador continues to navigate its foreign relations amidst geopolitical shifts in Latin America, particularly with Cuba, a country that has historically held significant influence in the region.