Foreign Ministry coordinates with EU partners on assistance for travelers in Middle East region

RIGA - The Latvian Foreign Ministry continues to coordinate with other European Union (EU) Member States on assistance options for travelers currently in the Middle East region, LETA learned from the ministry.

The ministry notes that other EU Member States are also actively exploring ways to assist their nationals to leave the region, prioritizing those most in need, such as those with health problems.

The airspace over the Middle East, with the exception of Oman, remains closed and regular air alerts are issued, the ministry said.

The ministry said it is also continuing to work with Latvian national airline airBaltic on possible flights as soon as the security situation allows. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are currently allowed to operate a limited number of flights. Travelers are advised not to travel to the airports until departure times have been individually confirmed by the airline.

Land travel from Israel to Egypt is possible via the Taba crossing, while a cruise ship service from Haifa to Limassol will be organized in the next two days with priority for foreign tourists.

676 nationals have registered short-term trips to the region in the consular register. The largest number - 576 - are in the United Arab Emirates, 30 in Israel, 25 in Qatar, 21 in Oman, eight in Kuwait, six in Saudi Arabia and five each in Bahrain and Jordan.

As reported earlier, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced on Tuesday that Lithuania is starting to evacuate the most vulnerable groups of its citizens from the UAE and neighboring countries in view of the tensions in the Middle East.

The US and Israel on Saturday launched a large-scale offensive against Iran, which has responded with missile and drone strikes on US bases in several Gulf states.