Portugal and Slovakia ask Cyprus to help evacuate citizens from Middle East

11:37 - 16 June 2025

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Current Affairs

Cyprus has so far received requests from Slovakia and Portugal to evacuate their citizens through the "ESTIA" Plan, according to Theodoros Gotsis, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Special National Plan ESTIA for the reception and repatriation of foreign citizens from areas in crisis was activated on 13 June.

Gotsis told CNA: "So far, we have requests, through the 'ESTIA' Plan, from two countries, Slovakia and Portugal," to evacuate their citizens and other citizens from Middle Eastern countries, especially from Israel. "We are discussing with these two countries to see how we can assist with their requests," he added.

Regarding Cypriot citizens in Iran, Gotsis said, there are three citizens who are permanent residents and wish to return to Cyprus.

He also noted that, "From Israel, two patients who were hospitalised in the country have returned to Cyprus, and there are 10 others remaining, along with 14 accompanying persons. Additionally, there are a total of 19 individuals who were in Israel for a short stay, either for vacation or work, and wish to return to Cyprus".

Gotsis added: "We are working so that as soon as possible, by any means possible, Cypriots in Israel and Iran can return to the island."

Asked about flight diversions in Cyprus due to the situation in the Middle East, Gotsis replied that "since the start of the crisis, a total of 32 flights have been diverted at Larnaca and Paphos airports, carrying 2,427 passengers, most of whom are returning to their countries."

(Source: CNA)

Portugal and Slovakia ask Cyprus to help evacuate citizens from Middle East

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