Slovakia Successfully Completes Its Third Evacuation Flight from Middle East

Bratislava, 4 March (TASR) - Slovakia successfully carried out on Wednesday its third evacuation flight from the crisis region in the Middle East, with a government aircraft bringing a total of 84 passengers from Amman, Jordan, to Bratislava, TASR was told by the Foreign Ministry's communications department. In addition to Slovak nationals, there were also citizens of 15 other nationalities on board, including 12 employees of the European Union delegation in Jerusalem. "We remain ready to respond quickly and effectively to crisis events and offer assistance not only to our own citizens, but also to other countries in returning their citizens home," said Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). The minister noted that given the assistance to citizens of other European Union member states, the third evacuation flight was included in the EU civil protection mechanism, which allows for the reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the costs. Slovakia's chief diplomat reported that eight repatriation flights have been prepared until 8 March this year, including Wednesday's evacuation, and that they already have the necessary permits for overflight and landing. Another four are in the preparation stage in terms of staffing and securing subsequent diplomatic permits. am