South Korea's Foreign Minister Talks with UAE Counterpart on Middle East Crisis and Evacuations
Synopsis
In a crucial phone call, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and UAE's Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the ongoing Middle East conflict and the urgent need to evacuate stranded South Korean nationals from the UAE, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke with UAE's Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the Middle East crisis.
Approximately 3,000 South Korean tourists are stranded in the UAE due to flight disruptions.
South Korea is considering evacuation options, including chartered and military flights.
A travel ban on Iran was issued due to escalating security threats.
The situation highlights significant geopolitical tensions affecting civilians.
Seoul, March 6 (NationPress) South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun engaged in a telephone conversation with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to address the ongoing Middle East conflict and to organize the repatriation of South Korean citizens currently stranded in the UAE, as reported by the foreign ministry on Friday.
During their discussion on Thursday, Cho highlighted that approximately 3,000 South Korean tourists are eager to return home due to significant flight disruptions. He urged the UAE government for special assistance to facilitate their safe exit.
The South Korean government is evaluating multiple strategies to repatriate its nationals from the conflict-affected area, which may include deploying chartered or military aircraft.
Currently, around 3,000 South Korean tourists are reported to be stuck in the UAE, while an estimated 21,000 South Koreans are residing across 10 different countries in the Middle East.
Abdullah remarked that recent Iranian assaults have inflicted substantial damage on civilian infrastructure, particularly airports, in the nine Gulf Cooperation Council nations, which comprise the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.
Cho expressed profound concern regarding civilian casualties and property damage, extending his condolences and solidarity. He voiced serious apprehension about the escalating hostilities and expressed hope that no additional loss of life occurs, while also wishing for a swift resolution to the crisis, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
On March 5, South Korea enacted a travel prohibition on all trips to Iran due to rising security risks associated with the intensifying Middle East conflict.
The travel advisory was elevated to a Level 3 alert, urging nationals to leave Iran, which was enforced at 6 p.m. amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
The ministry warned that South Koreans who travel to or remain in Iran without proper authorization may face legal repercussions under relevant laws. It advised individuals planning trips to the region to cancel them and urged those already there to evacuate.
Point of View
The ongoing dialogue between South Korea and the UAE highlights the urgency of the situation facing South Korean nationals abroad. With rising geopolitical tensions affecting civilian lives, the government's proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens are commendable and necessary.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are South Korean nationals stranded in the UAE?
South Korean nationals are stranded in the UAE due to significant flight disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
What actions is South Korea considering for evacuation?
South Korea is evaluating various options, including deploying chartered planes or military aircraft to repatriate its citizens.
What was the outcome of the call between the two foreign ministers?
The call focused on coordinating efforts for the safe return of South Korean nationals and addressing concerns about the escalating conflict.
What travel advisory has South Korea issued for Iran?
South Korea has imposed a travel ban on all trips to Iran amid rising security concerns related to the conflict.
How many South Koreans are currently in the Middle East?
An estimated 21,000 South Koreans are believed to be residing across 10 different countries in the Middle East.
