Blanar: Repatriation Flights from Middle East Concluded for Now

Bratislava, 19 June (TASR) - Repatriation flights from the Middle East region, coordinated by Slovak ministries, have been concluded for now. The Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry continues to monitor the situation and is ready to respond promptly to the situation if necessary, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) told a news conference on Thursday. "We've fulfilled all the requirements that have arisen as a result of the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran at this point, but we are ready to promptly address the crisis situation again within our capabilities," stated the minister, noting that Slovakia helped not only its own citizens to leave the conflict region, but also nationals of 24 other countries through its repatriation flights. Slovak Travel Agencies Association president Roman Berkes in this context said that travel agencies are reacting to the situation in the given region. "Some planned stays and trips to Israel and Jordan have been cancelled. No changes had to be made in case of neighbouring countries, such as Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt or Tunisia, trips and tours are still being planned. There's no reason to make any changes here for now," he said. Representatives of the ministry and travel agencies at a press conference appealed for responsibility when planning summer holidays, and also recommended taking steps that would help Slovak authorities contact holiday-makers in case of need and emergency situations. ko/mcs