Minister Cho asks UAE to allow charter flights as around 3,000 short‐term Korean visitors seek to return home

On the 5th, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the landing and takeoff of charter flights to transport Korean nationals.
On the same day, Minister Cho held a phone call with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the call, Cho explained that "around 3,000 Koreans who are staying in the UAE for a short period are hoping to return home as soon as possible." He also requested the UAE government's special attention and support for the landing and takeoff of Korean charter flights to ensure the swift and safe return of Korean nationals.
The two ministers also discussed the recent situation in the Middle East. Minister Abdullah noted that "recent attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused extensive damage to airports and other civilian facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, including the UAE." He asked for Korea's interest and support in this regard. The GCC is a political, economic and security bloc formed in 1981 by six Gulf states: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Minister Cho expressed deep concern and solidarity over civilian casualties and damage to civilian facilities in the UAE and other GCC countries. He voiced serious concern about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and expressed hope that no further casualties would occur. He also conveyed Korea’s hope for a swift resolution of the situation in the region. The two countries agreed to continue cooperating to advance their special strategic partnership and to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter