As Iranian attacks inflict mounting damage on civilian infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has conducted a series of emergency telephone calls with his counterparts in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar over the past week, prioritizing the safety and repatriation of Korean nationals and the security of Korea's energy supply.

United Arab Emirates — March 5

Minister Cho opened the week of diplomatic outreach with a call at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sheikh Abdullah reported that Iranian attacks had inflicted significant damage on airports and other civilian facilities across GCC member states, including the UAE, and requested Korea's attention and support.

Minister Cho expressed sympathy and solidarity over the civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, conveying deep concern over the rapidly escalating situation and hoping for no further casualties and a swift resolution. He informed his counterpart that over 3,000 short-term Korean visitors to the UAE were stranded in the country hoping to return home, and requested that the UAE government support the swift and safe repatriation of Korean nationals — including by resuming commercial flights and approving the arrival and departure of Korean chartered aircraft. The two ministers agreed to continue cooperation under their Special Strategic Partnership and to work toward the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

Bahrain — March 7

Two days later, on Saturday, March 7, Minister Cho spoke with H.E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the

Kingdom of Bahrain. Minister Al Zayani reported that Iranian attacks had caused serious damage to civilian and major infrastructure across Bahrain — including housing, airports, oil refineries, and hotels — and noted that other GCC member states had suffered similarly. He likewise requested Korea's attention and support.

Minister Cho deplored the civilian casualties and damage, expressed sympathy and solidarity, and conveyed deep concern over the continuing escalation of military clashes in the Middle East. He stated that the Korean government was mobilizing all its capabilities with the protection of its nationals as its highest priority, asking for special attention to the safety of approximately 120 Korean nationals currently in Bahrain and requesting assistance for their safe evacuation to neighboring countries should they wish to depart. The ministers also reviewed bilateral relations, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and agreed to continue cooperation toward peace and stability in the Middle East.

Qatar — March 9

The most recent call took place at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 9, when Minister Cho spoke with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. Minister Mohammed reported that Iranian attacks had caused significant damage to civilian facilities across GCC states including Qatar — among them airports, hotels, and residential areas — and requested Korea's attention and support.

Minister Cho again expressed sympathy and solidarity, and raised two issues of particular concern: the safety of approximately 2,000 Korean nationals in Qatar and the stability of Korea's energy supply. With regard to QatarEnergy's recent announcement to halt LNG production, Minister Cho specifically requested the Qatari government's cooperation in ensuring continued stable energy supply to Korea. He also expressed appreciation for Qatar's arrangement of an emergency direct flight from Doha to Incheon on March 9, and conveyed his hope for continued close consultations on arranging additional flights. Both ministers agreed to maintain ongoing communication and cooperation to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between their two countries and to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

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Source: Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)