Cho Hyun, Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on the 7th that the government "will make every effort to ensure that every last citizen who wishes to return home does so safely, and that all citizens remaining there can stay safely until they return to a peaceful daily life."
The Minister said this while presiding over a meeting of the task force for the protection of overseas Koreans at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul on the same day, noting that "the situation in the Middle East is deteriorating, and the safety of our citizens is also being threatened."
The official noted, "We have prepared with the possibility of a sudden turn in the Middle East situation in mind," and urged, "I ask that you continue to do your utmost to protect citizens' safety by closely preparing for potential challenges and variables that may arise going forward."
The Minister encouraged staff responding across the Middle East, saying, "I extend my deep gratitude to our colleagues who, in situations where shells are falling, opened missions and residences to protect citizens, crossed borders with them, and took responsibility for their safety."