Cuba has, in exchange, consistently supported Argentina's claims of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. Britain and Argentina waged a brief but bitter war over the territory in 1982.

• Have Milei's first six months improved the Argentine economy?
• Argentina records sharp rise in povertyPresident Milei's office later issued a statement intended to outline the political vision behind his foreign policy.

  "The country is going through a period of profound changes and this new stage requires that our diplomatic corps reflect in each decision the values ​​of freedom, sovereignty and individual rights that characterise Western democracies," it said.

  The statement went on: "Our country is categorically opposed to the Cuban dictatorship and will remain firm in promoting a foreign policy that condemns all regimes that perpetrate human rights violations."

  Friction had been growing between the president and the foreign ministry over a range of issues in recent months, observers say.

  However, Mondino was seen as important to Argentina's public image abroad, often stepping in to defuse tensions after confrontational statements made by Milei had upset other nations.

  The US trade embargo was first imposed in 1962 in the wake of the revolution in Cuba, which swept Fidel Castro to power.

  Washington wanted to force the island to reject Castro's socialist policies and embrace capitalism and democracy.

  However, the embargo has failed to achieve that objective and has become a bone of contention between Washington and its neighbours in the region.