Belgium closes its embassy in Cuba and the regime reacts: “surprise and disappointment”

MADRID, Spain.- The Government of Belgium announced the closure of its embassy in Havana as part of a restructuring of its diplomatic network that contemplates the closure of eight missions and the opening of five new ones, according to reported Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The measure is part of a “strategic redeployment” aimed at optimizing resources and responding to changes in the international environment.

Although the Belgian embassy will stop operating in Cuba, the European government clarified that this decision does not imply a break in diplomatic relations. Prevot pointed out that the closure of headquarters “does not prejudge the importance” that Belgium continues to give to bilateral contacts, and announced that consular services for Belgian citizens will be assumed from regional missions.

Reaction of the Cuban regime

After knowing the decision, the Cuban Embassy in Belgium issued a statement dated November 18 in which he expressed his “surprise and disappointment” at the Belgian government’s announcement.

The text states that the decision “does not correspond to the historical and positive relations” between both nations, maintained for more than one hundred and twenty years, and highlights the “cultural, academic, scientific-technical, consular, economic and cooperation” ties, which – according to the note – have been supported by a “respectful dialogue.”

The regime also points out that the closure “contrasts” with Belgium’s declared interest in strengthening its ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, and expresses its aspiration that the measure does not cause a deterioration in relations between institutions, scientists, businessmen, cultural actors and “the many friends” of both peoples.

In another section of the message, Havana indicates its desire for Belgium to continue playing a “constructive” role in relations between Cuba and the European Union within the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement in force since 2017.

The Belgian decision occurs in a context of cooling ties between Havana and various European nations. The closure of the embassy also has a strong symbolic component, as it represents the withdrawal of a mission with more than a century of presence on the Island.

Although Belgium insists that it will maintain its relations with Cuba through alternative means, the decision could affect consular procedures, cultural cooperation and academic ties.