The Cuban Foreign Ministry issued an official statement on Tuesday in response to Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella's announcement that he plans to shut down Colombia's embassy in Havana. De la Espriella declared that his administration would sever all ties with the island, labeling Cuba and Nicaragua as "tyrannies."
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed its statement under the headline, "In an Act of Subordination to U.S. Aggression Policy, the President-Elect of Colombia Announces Cutting Ties with Cuba," clearly indicating the regime's perspective on the decision right from the start.
The official Cuban statement argued that the break in relations "lacks any justification and does not serve Colombian national interests."
The communiqué asserted that if this measure is carried out, it would expose "the next Colombian government's clear subordination to the U.S.-driven policy of division and confrontation among our nations, as well as its ties with the most infamous and vulgar elements of anti-Cuban politics in that country."
Attempting to distance the incoming government from the Colombian populace, the Cuban regime maintained that "this unfounded hostile action does not reflect the sentiments of the fraternal Colombian people, whom we have tirelessly supported for decades in their quest for peace."
The Foreign Ministry also highlighted Havana's role as a venue for peace negotiations with the ELN during outgoing President Gustavo Petro's administration and reiterated that "Cuba will honor its commitments to the young people studying medicine in our country as part of the Peace Agreements signed in Havana in 2016."
The accusation of "subordination" to Washington is rooted in a specific incident: Colombian Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on July 15 as part of a diplomatic mission called "The Miracle Homeland."
Rubio congratulated De la Espriella hours after his June election victory, attributing him 49.66% of the votes, and expressed optimism, stating that "Colombia's best days are ahead."
Weeks later, the State Department announced that Washington aimed to become Colombia's "partner of choice."
De la Espriella, a 47-year-old lawyer and entrepreneur with no prior experience in elected positions, revealed plans to close 14 embassies initially, including those in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa, alongside Cuba and Nicaragua.
However, he clarified that only with these last two would there be a complete diplomatic break: "In my government, there will be no ties with tyrannies," he stated on Sunday.
De la Espriella is set to take office on August 7 in Cali, at which point it will become clear whether the diplomatic rupture with Cuba will be implemented.
The Colombian case is not isolated: in March, Costa Rica closed its embassy in Cuba, citing deteriorating human rights on the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded with nearly identical language, calling that decision "arbitrary and unjustified" and similarly attributing it to U.S. pressures.
Key Issues in Colombia-Cuba Diplomatic Relations
Why is Colombia planning to cut diplomatic ties with Cuba?
Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced his intention to sever diplomatic relations with Cuba, labeling it as a "tyranny" and aligning with his administration's policy against regimes he perceives as oppressive.
What role did the U.S. play in the Colombia-Cuba diplomatic tension?
The Cuban regime accuses the Colombian government of being influenced by the U.S., citing meetings between Colombian officials and U.S. representatives and suggesting that the decision to break ties is part of a broader U.S. strategy of division.
How has Cuba responded to Colombia's decision?
Cuba criticized the decision as unjustified and accused the incoming Colombian administration of subordinating to U.S. policies. The Cuban government also emphasized its historical support for the Colombian people.