Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is requesting consular services to evacuate Papua New Guinean  citizens caught in the Middle East crisis following the recent escalation of the conflict  between Iran and Israel on February  28, 2026.

The Prime Minister made this statement today following the escalating regional  security crisis, which had occurred over the weekend.

Prime Minister Marape emphasized that  due to the absence of a PNG diplomatic presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government will request assistance from the UAE and Australian governments to include  the PNG diaspora and citizens in their contingency and evacuation plans  if the situation escalates and warrants repatriation.

“In fact, I will be writing to the President of UAE, His Excellency Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to seek his support for their wellbeing.

“There is no diplomatic presence in the UAE as yet. Hence, alternatively, my government will seek assistance from the Australian Government through the Resident Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to include  our citizens in their contingency and evacuation plans,” he stressed.

The Prime Minister has expressed his government’s concern over the safety and well-being of PNG citizens who are in the UAE and surrounding countries.

“As Prime Minister, our prayers and thoughts are with our PNG citizens and diaspora for their safety.

“It is my government’s hope  and desire that  an amicable truce  is reached between all parties concerned for the total restoration of regional  and global peace and security in the Middle East and beyond,” he said.