MFA of Montenegro: 210 people evacuated from the Middle East so far, another 215 registered for return

(Patria) - Montenegro's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced today that since the beginning of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, it has organized the evacuation of a total of 210 people, while another 215 people are currently registered for return to Montenegro.

The information on the need to evacuate Montenegrin citizens and the security situation in the region states that the conflict in the Middle East, following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iranian targets at the end of February, has led to a serious escalation and spread of instability to several countries in the region.

"The Middle East is currently in one of the most serious phases of escalation in the last decade. This is a crisis with broader regional and global implications - security, economic and humanitarian," the MFA document reads.

It further states that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, held a series of telephone conversations during the first week of March with the heads of diplomacy of Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Lebanon.

During these talks, the need to reduce tensions and strengthen diplomatic efforts was emphasized.

"The interlocutors highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, respect for international law and the continuation of dialogue as a key instrument for resolving crises and maintaining stability in the Middle East," the information states.

According to MFA data, Montenegro has so far organized two evacuation flights.

"With two special flights, a total of 210 people were evacuated. The first Air Montenegro flight on March 3 on the route Sharm el-Sheikh - Podgorica evacuated 72 passengers, of which 69 were Montenegrin and three were foreign nationals," the document states.

The second flight was organized on March 4 on the route Dubai - Tivat. It brought back 138 passengers, including 44 foreign nationals from several countries, while 22 initially registered passengers abandoned the evacuation.

In addition, another 20 Montenegrin citizens returned with the help of evacuation flights from partner countries, including Austria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Romania.

The MFA further states that 215 people are currently registered who wish to leave the crisis-affected region.

"215 people are registered for return, of which 142 are Montenegrin and 75 are foreign nationals," the document states, noting that the data is subject to rapid changes.

The largest number of registered individuals are in the United Arab Emirates, while the rest are distributed in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

The information also states that Montenegrin seafarers represent a special category, whose situation is being monitored in cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

"The MFA and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs are considering possible protection measures and possible evacuation of seafarers, with constant communication with companies and monitoring of their requests for return," the document reads.

The MFA of Montenegro concludes that they will continue to monitor the security situation and provide consular assistance to citizens, with an appeal to follow official information and act in accordance with the instructions of the competent institutions.