"Support Requested for Swift Repatriation of 120 Koreans" Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Holds Call with Bahrain

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on March 7 that, in response to the worsening situation in the Middle East, "We will make every effort until the very last citizen who wishes to return home does so safely, and until all of our people remaining in the region can return to their peaceful daily lives."

Minister Cho made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Overseas Koreans Protection Countermeasures Headquarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul, emphasizing, "The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, and the safety of our citizens is also under threat."

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is speaking while presiding over the Overseas Koreans Protection Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News

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He added, "The government has been preparing for the possibility of rapidly changing circumstances in the Middle East," and urged officials to "continue to do your utmost to protect the safety of our people by thoroughly preparing for all possible challenges and variables that may arise."

He also expressed his appreciation and encouragement to Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff responding across the Middle East, stating, "Even in situations where shells are falling, our colleagues have opened embassies and residences to protect our citizens, crossed borders with them, and taken responsibility for their safety."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Cho held a telephone conversation on March 7 with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and the safety of Korean nationals residing in the region.

During the call, Minister Cho noted, "Around 120 of our citizens currently staying in Bahrain wish to return to Korea as soon as possible," and requested the Bahraini government's special attention and support to ensure their swift and safe return.

In response, Minister Abdullatif explained that recent Iranian attacks have caused significant damage to various civilian facilities in Bahrain, including airports, refineries, and hotels, and that member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are also experiencing severe damage. He also requested the Korean government’s interest and support.

Minister Cho expressed condolences and solidarity regarding civilian casualties and damage to civilian facilities in Bahrain and other GCC countries. He also voiced concern over the growing civilian toll amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and expressed hope that the situation would stabilize quickly without further loss of life.

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