Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has extended his gratitude to the leaders of Japan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for their vital support in evacuating South Korean nationals from the increasingly volatile Middle East region. This gesture of appreciation comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which has led to significant instability in the area.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee conveyed his thanks through letters sent to each of the respective leaders. In his correspondence with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Lee acknowledged Japan's role in evacuating 16 South Koreans and their family members to Tokyo on Japanese chartered flights. Additionally, the cooperation facilitated the transportation of Japanese nationals from Saudi Arabia to South Korea via a South Korean military aircraft, further exemplifying the deepening ties between the two nations.
Lee emphasized the strengthened friendship between South Korea and Japan following these coordinated efforts. He expressed hope that such collaboration would continue to fortify the trust and camaraderie between their citizens, ensuring their safety and well-being.
In another letter addressed to Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Lee expressed his gratitude for Qatar's role in organizing a special flight that successfully evacuated 322 South Koreans from the Gulf nation. This operation underscored Qatar's pivotal role in assisting South Korea during this crisis.
Furthermore, President Lee reached out to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, thanking him for his nation's assistance in safely evacuating 204 South Korean nationals from Riyadh. This marked South Korea's first airlift evacuation using a military plane since the conflict erupted in the Middle East late last month.