WELLINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is preparing to deploy consular staff and military aircraft to the Middle East to assist nationals stranded amid escalating conflicts in the region, the government said Thursday.
All options are being explored for the evacuation of the stranded New Zealanders, an official statement said, citing Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins.
As part of the contingency plans, two Defence Force C-130J aircraft and consular staff will be positioned in the region to support potential evacuation operations once conditions allow, Collins was quoted as saying.
Around 3,000 New Zealanders are currently registered with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as living in the Middle East.
New Zealand is also discussing charter options with commercial airlines, Peters said, describing the conditions as "fast-moving, dangerous and complex." He noted that with airspace closures and limited commercial flights, the New Zealand government is urging citizens to shelter in places or take any safe opportunities to leave when possible. ■