Santo domingo: The government in the Dominican Republic has formally asked the Cuban Embassy to withdraw nine members of its diplomatic mission, along with their families, within a seven-day timeframe, according to the Foreign Ministry (MIREX).

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that this action falls under the powers granted to the receiving state by international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Although MIREX did not disclose the reason for this request, citing the confidential nature of diplomatic communications, it has sparked curiosity and concern about the state of relations between the two countries.

The List­n Diario reported that approximately 21 people, including diplomats and their families, will be affected by this decision. MIREX emphasized that the matter would be handled with discretion and through established diplomatic channels to preserve the relationship between the Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Cuba were restored in 1998 after over three decades of tension. Despite political differences, both countries have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, with a notable trade agreement formalized in 2018 aimed at reducing tariffs and trade barriers.

This recent development, however, signals a potential new setback in the relationship between the two nations. The Dominican government stopped short of severing diplomatic relations or closing the Cuban Embassy in Santo Domingo. The specific identities and positions of the nine officials requested to leave were not disclosed by MIREX.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations allows a receiving state to declare any member of a diplomatic mission persona non grata without needing to provide an explanation. This move echoes similar diplomatic actions in the region, such as Ecuador's expulsion of all 23 Cuban diplomats in March, also citing Article 9 of the Vienna Convention without public explanation.