President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to ensure the return of Uzbek citizens from Persian Gulf states. This information was confirmed to Podrobno.uz by the Prime Minister's press secretary Bekzod Khidoyatov.
The order was issued on March 2 during a video conference at the Cabinet of Ministers. The country's airlines have been directed to take measures to evacuate compatriots, including organizing repatriation flights on the Jeddah-Tashkent route.
Additionally, heads of relevant ministries and agencies have been instructed to analyze the implementation of existing agreements with Persian Gulf countries.
State structures have also been tasked with considering alternative routes for export-import operations. This is necessary to reduce risks for foreign trade amid the unstable situation in the region.
Recall that on February 28, Israeli armed forces attacked military facilities in Iran, which was officially confirmed by the country's Defense Minister Israel Katz, calling the actions a preventive measure. Following the start of the operation, Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency in the country.
Later, US President Donald Trump officially confirmed the start of a large-scale military operation against Iran, conducted jointly with Israel, aimed at eliminating an "immediate threat" and preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The situation in the Middle East has escalated into a stage of large-scale military confrontation. After the joint operation by Israel and the US against targets in Iran, Tehran initiated a massive retaliatory attack affecting not only Israel but also neighboring Arab states.
It was previously reported that the national carrier Uzbekistan Airways will begin operating repatriation flights on the Jeddah-Tashkent route starting March 2.
The evacuation flights are intended for Uzbek citizens who were previously transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Umrah program via the airline's flights. Transportation will be carried out for the phased return of all pilgrims to their homeland.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Qatar has also taken control of the situation with citizens stranded at Doha Airport.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent set of rules for Uzbeks abroad. The foreign policy department primarily advises closely monitoring messages from official bodies of the host country and information published by Uzbekistan's diplomatic missions. For prompt assistance, citizens are recommended to register with the consulate and always have up-to-date contact details of the nearest embassy or consulate.
Source: podrobno.uz