Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in his weekly review of the government’s work, refers to Greece’s support for Cyprus when the conflict in the Middle East threatened it. “This past week, we witnessed how the enhancement of our national diplomacy and defence in recent years has translated into security and solidarity. When the conflict in the Middle East posed a threat to the Greek community in Cyprus, Greece stood firmly by their side without hesitation. Our partners took heed of our example, establishing a European network of air and naval protection around the island. ” This confirmed the obvious: when European territory is threatened by external dangers, our common response can only be immediate and strong,” he noted.
Mitsotakis emphasised that Greece has established communication channels to offer essential guidance to our compatriots who have found themselves in dangerous areas. “And already, hundreds of them are returning safely to the country. Over the past five days, under the supervision of the central service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our local embassies and consulates, a total of 1,039 people have been repatriated from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the Palestinian territories.
Specifically, on Saturday ninety citizens who were in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain returned to Athens from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on a C-130 aircraft of the Air Force, and 44 returned on a C-130 aircraft of the Air Force. Kuwait and Bahrain, returning from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on a C-130 aircraft of the Air Force, alongside four hundred and forty-eight citizens who arrived from Dubai on a special flight. He stated that aircraft chartered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with land transport and military aircraft, will continue to provide assistance to Greeks in these areas and ensure the safe return of those who wish to come home,” he emphasised.
The Greek premier also stressed that Greece will face any negative consequences that may arise from the recent unrest with the same readiness and determination, whether it concerns the energy market or certain price increases as a result of increased production costs and maritime transport.
