Bolojan spoke by phone with the president of the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister asked for support for repatriation flights

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan had a telephone conversation on Friday, March 6, with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Ilie Bolojan and the president of the EAU PHOTO: Colaj Inquam photos/George Călin and EPA-EFE

“The conversation took place in the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Romania and the United Arab Emirates.

The Prime Minister expressed his full solidarity with the Emirati people in the context of the current security developments in the Middle East which have also affected the United Arab Emirates. He sent a message of support and wished strength and resilience to overcome these difficult times.” the Government of Romania sent in a press release.

The head of the executive thanked the UAE president and the authorities for the support given to Romanian citizens who live, work or are tourists in the United Arab Emirates.

“Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan requested the support of the United Arab Emirates to facilitate the flight lanes necessary for the operation of Romanian airlines, so that Romanian citizens can return home safely.

The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation and coordination to identify the best solutions to support Romanian citizens in the region”the quoted institution added.

Romania requested 5 flights through the European civil protection mechanism

Romania requested, through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, the organization of five flights for the evacuation of around 1,000 Romanian citizens from the Middle East. The first flight, operated by HiSky, is scheduled for March 6.

The official announcement was made on Thursday, March 5 by the spokesperson of the Government, Ioana Dogioiu, in a press conference at the Victoria Palace.

“On March 4, Romania activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) to organize an evacuation charter flight on the Muscat – Bucharest route. In parallel, Romania's request for capacity, approximately 5 flights (1,000 citizens), through the RescEU Mechanism for flights on the Dubai/Muscat – Bucharest/Romania route, was notified in the European civil protection system. The already activated flight, which is operated by HiSky, is planned for March 6, at 5.00 local”, stated Ioana Dogioiu.

According to information not officially confirmed by the MFA, approximately 750 Romanian citizens have already returned to Romania from the United Arab Emirates on commercial flights, and approximately 120 others are to return also via commercial flights.

The Government spokesperson also presented a list of requests for assistance:

* Israel: 60 requests, not necessarily for repatriation, but also for contact with the Romanian authorities

* Qatar: approximately 370 applications

* United Arab Emirates: about 3,000

* Saudi Arabia: about 100

* Lebanon: about 150

* Oman: about 100

* Kuwait: about 250, of which 100 will return in the next period

* Iran: 8 requests

* Iraq: 2 applications

* Jordan: about 150 requests

* Citizens affected by flight disruption and stranded in the Eastern Hemisphere: approximately 800 applications

The situation is dynamic, and the Romanian authorities continue to coordinate repatriation and support for citizens in difficulty in the region.