site.btaSecurity of Bulgarian Citizens Priority in Middle East Evacuation Efforts, PM Gurov Says

The safety of Bulgarian citizens is the leading priority in organizing their evacuation from the Middle East region, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said during a briefing at the Council of Ministers here on Tuesday. 

Gurov noted that the situation in the Middle East is dynamic and changing daily, adding that the government and the institutions involved are closely monitoring developments. The government’s focus is on evacuating Bulgarian citizens from the region as quickly as possible while ensuring their safety. 

“Various options and routes are currently being discussed. For us, security is the priority,” Gurov stressed. He said he had held meetings with relevant ministers as well as representatives of aviation and other competent authorities, who reported on the measures taken to organize evacuation flights.

The Prime Minister explained that efforts are underway to strengthen coordination among institutions, including the Situation Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to prepare up-to-date lists of Bulgarian citizens by destination and ensure readiness for their evacuation. This information is being submitted to aviation authorities to request the necessary routes and landing slots, after which consular services are activated to organize citizens’ transport to airports and conduct security checks.

According to Gurov, a sufficient number of aircraft are currently available and on standby to operate flights once routes are confirmed. Flights carrying Bulgarian citizens back to the country are expected to take place in the coming days. 

He emphasized that security services are also involved in the process to avoid unnecessary risks. “The safety of Bulgarian citizens comes first,” Gurov said.