TASHKENT, March 4. /Dunyo IA/. The Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, responded via his telegram-channel to media inquiries regarding the situation in the Middle East, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and its diplomatic missions abroad are undertaking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and provide full support to our citizens, the statement reads. In this regard, we present responses to the inquiries received from media representatives addressed to the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Question: What measures have been taken by the embassies and consular offices of the Republic of Uzbekistan to ensure the safety and well-being of Uzbek citizens?

Answer: The diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Middle East are conducting continuous (24/7) monitoring of the socio-political and military-political situation.

Close coordination has been established with the foreign ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil protection services, and aviation authorities of the host countries.

Question: Have hotlines and emergency communication channels been established?

Answer: Hotlines have been established at Embassies and Consular offices, as well as at the Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

All incoming appeals from citizens are being registered and a number of issues are being addressed promptly.

According to the latest data:

- the number of appeals received from citizens in the region stands at 2144;

- targeted consular and financial assistance is being provided.

Citizens are regularly informed through official websites, social media platforms, and group communication channels about precautionary measures, flight statuses, and recommended courses of action.

Question: What issues are citizens most frequently raising in their appeals?

Answer: Appeals are being received on a regular basis.

The main issues raised concern:

- evacuation;

- cancellation of flights or their rescheduling to another date;

- temporary accommodation;

- financial difficulties related to the extension of stay.

Financial assistance has been provided to a group of citizens at the airports of Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha through the “Vatandosh” Foundation.

Question: What measures are being taken to evacuate citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan from the Middle East and to organize special flights?

Answer: In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, systematic measures are being taken to ensure the return of our citizens to the homeland.

Regular and additional flights are being organized, taking into account the evolving situation and prioritizing the safety of our compatriots. The work is carried out on an ongoing basis.

In particular:

- a systematic evacuation is being conducted from Saudi Arabia;

- a repatriation flight of NAC “Uzbekistan Airways” from the UAE has been considered;

- charter flights are being coordinated with airlines;

- coordination is underway with the aviation regulators of the region.

Given the closure of airspace and the “air alert” regime, operational capabilities remain limited; nevertheless, efforts continue around the clock.

Question: Are there any Uzbek citizens among those affected in the Middle East?

Answer: As of today, there are no confirmed cases of fatalities or injuries among citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The situation remains under constant monitoring.