Emergency Situation Assessment Meeting Convened Amid Middle East Tensions
Amid airstrikes exchanged between the United States, Israel, and Iran, it has been confirmed as of now that no South Korean nationals have been harmed in either Iran or Israel.
On February 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated the Overseas Koreans Protection Task Force in response to the current situation in the Middle East. Second Vice Minister Jin Ah Kim chaired a joint situation assessment meeting between headquarters and diplomatic missions, including the Embassies of Iran and Israel and missions in neighboring countries, to evaluate the situation and review safety measures for Korean nationals. The neighboring country missions involved are those in Lebanon, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkmenistan.
On the afternoon of the 28th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated the Overseas Korean Citizens Protection Task Force and held a joint situation check meeting between the headquarters and diplomatic missions, including the Embassy in Iran and the Embassy in Israel, chaired by Vice Minister Jinah Kim. Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Vice Minister Kim stated, "With tensions in the Middle East rapidly escalating due to today's attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, as well as Iran's retaliatory strikes, I ask that, in accordance with President Lee Jaemyung's directive to prioritize the safety of our citizens, the safety measures for Koreans abroad-formulated through close cooperation between headquarters and relevant missions-be thoroughly implemented."
Vice Minister Kim further emphasized that, since the current situation is bound to have a broad impact across multiple countries in the region, not only the Embassies in Iran and Israel but also missions in neighboring countries should maintain close communication and respond in a coordinated manner.
The Embassies of Iran and Israel immediately sent safety notices to local Korean nationals following the airstrikes and are currently confirming their safety via emergency contact networks. Other diplomatic missions in the Middle East are also closely monitoring the rapidly changing local situation and are making every effort to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and, if necessary, take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Korean nationals, including preparing evacuation plans in case of emergency.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Our government is making every effort to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals currently residing in the region." In a separate statement, the ministry spokesperson added, "Our government is closely monitoring the current situation related to Iran and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and make efforts to ease tensions in the region."
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