Outcome of ROK-Bahrain Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation (March 7)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a telephone conversation with H.E. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on Saturday, March 7. Over the phone, Minister Cho discussed with his Bahraini counterpart the current situation in the Middle East and requested the Bahraini government's attention to and assistance for the safe return home to Korea of the Korean nationals in Bahrain.

Minister Al Zayani stated that recent attacks by Iran had caused significant damage to various civilian and other major infrastructure facilities in Bahrain including housing structures, airports, oil refineries and hotels, adding that the damage suffered by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states has also been serious. He requested the Republic of Korea's attention and support in this regard.

Minister Cho deplored the civilian casualties and the damage to major civilian facilities in Bahrain and the other GCC countries, conveying his sympathy and solidarity. He also expressed deep concern over civilians and civilian facilities increasingly sustaining damage amid continued military clashes in the Middle East and hoped for no further casualties and an early stabilization of the current situation.

Furthermore, Minister Cho stated that the Korean government is mobilizing all its capabilities with its highest priority placed on the safety and protection of its nationals. On that note, he asked for special attention to the safety of about 120 Korean nationals currently in Bahrain and for assistance for their safe evacuation to neighboring countries should they wish to depart.

The two Ministers also reviewed bilateral relations as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, and concurred to continue cooperation for the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.