The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr. Elias Wohengu, is strongly advising Papua New Guinea citizens to exercise cation and avoid travelling to the Middle East due to outbreak of war in the Gulf and Arab regions.

He said many governments are unable to carry out any evacuation exercise at this point as all land borders and air spaces are closed and evacuation itself would be a security risk under the present war scenario.

“Given the situation, governments of the region have issued humanitarian instruction to service providers to accommodate third country nationals who are stranded, including PNG citizens,” stated Secretary Wohengu.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced the temporary closure of the PNG Embassy in Jerusalem and all staff called to adhere to host country instructions to hunker down in bomb shelter following the State of Israel being at war with Iran and its proxies.

“As soon as we are able to extradite or evacuate our diplomatic personnel when border and airspace open, PNG will relocate the operations of its embassy to the capital, Port Moresby,” said the Minister.

In the meantime, relatives and friends of PNG citizens who are stranded in the Middle East are encouraged to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs through its State Protocol and Consular Division on telephone: 301 4115 or email: consular.affairs@dfa.gov.pg.