UAE says all diplomats and citizens have returned from Lebanon

The UAE confirmed on Monday that all its diplomats, embassy administrative staff and citizens have returned from Lebanon.

The country had announced last week that it was recalling its diplomats and banning its citizens from travelling to Lebanon in a show of solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

The move came following statements made by the Lebanese Minister of Information George Kordahi against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) said it had barred the travel of its citizens to Lebanon owing to the current security and political situation in the country, official news agency WAM reported.

“Out of the UAE’s determination on ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad, the ministry contacted UAE nationals in Lebanon to coordinate their return back home,” Khalid Abdullah Belhoul, undersecretary of MoFAIC said.

He added that the ministry had been following up with all UAE citizens in Lebanon until their safe return back.

The UAE was the fourth GCC country to recall its diplomats from Lebanon.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also recalled its ambassador in Lebanon for consultations and asked Lebanon’s charge d’affaires in Kuwait to leave the country.

Meanwhile Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also asked the Lebanese ambassador to leave the kingdom.

Apart from asking the Lebanese ambassador in Saudi to leave the kingdom, Saudi also additionally banned all imports from Lebanon and asked the government to clarify its position regarding the statements made by Kordhai.

Read: Saudi Arabia tells Lebanon ambassador to leave in 48 hours