BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka has confirmed that all five Solomon Islands students currently in Israel are safe amid ongoing instability in the region.

Speaking during a recent press conference, he said the government is actively coordinating with Australia and Papua New Guinea to arrange a joint evacuation plan for citizens from the region, including Papua New Guineans and Australians.

“Of course, we have five of our agriculture students in Israel. We’re working closely with the Australian Government and Papua New Guinea on an evacuation plan. At the moment, it’s really unsafe—the airports are closed,” Agovaka stated.

He adds that Solomon Islands officials have been in contact with the Israeli Ambassador in Canberra, who assured them that the students are under the care and protection of the Israeli Government.

In addition to the students in Israel, Agovaka confirmed the safety of other Solomon Islands nationals in the Middle East.

“We have one student in Qatar and we are working with the Government of Qatar through their embassy in Canberra to ensure the student’s well-being,” he said.

Minister Agovaka said seven Solomon Islands nationals working in the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates Air Force are also safe.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all our citizens abroad. We will do everything possible to bring our students home safely,” the Minister affirmed.

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