Lithuanian diplomacy head Kęstutis Budrys stated that there are no current plans for the evacuation of Lithuanian citizens from the Middle East, although mechanisms are prepared in coordination with the EU.
In a press conference held on Monday, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy, Kęstutis Budrys, announced that there are no active discussions regarding the evacuation or repatriation of Lithuanian citizens currently in the Middle East. He mentioned that roughly 2,000 Lithuanians are in the region, with the majority being located in the United Arab Emirates. The number of those officially registered with the Lithuanian embassies is somewhat lower, highlighting the complexities of assessing citizen safety and willingness to return.
Budrys also pointed out that there are approximately half a million EU citizens in the Middle East, with about a million in Israel alone. He emphasized that any evacuation operation would be coordinated at the EU level to ensure a unified response among member states. This cooperation is vital as the situation remains volatile in the region, which is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of Lithuanian nationals abroad.
Furthermore, the minister assured that discussions with counterparts from Israel, Oman, Kuwait, and the UAE have been held to ensure the safety of Lithuanians in the area. The Lithuanian government is committed to aligning its actions with other EU member states and institutions to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications regarding the safety and potential evacuation of its citizens, should the need arise.
