The Saudi consulate in Istanbul evacuates a citizen via medical evacuation
Fast response and excellent care
In a move reflecting the Saudi Arabian government's commitment to the well-being of its citizens abroad, the Kingdom's Consulate General in Istanbul initiated procedures on Wednesday to transfer a Saudi citizen from Turkey to the Kingdom via a specialized medical evacuation aircraft. This humanitarian operation ensures the citizen receives the necessary medical care and can complete his treatment among his family, underscoring the pivotal role played by Saudi diplomatic missions in serving citizens wherever they may be.
In an official statement published on its platforms, the consulate explained that this step comes within the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing directives to provide all forms of support and assistance to Saudis abroad. The statement added that the head of the Saudis Affairs Department at the consulate personally accompanied the citizen to the airport to oversee all arrangements and ensure a smooth transfer until the plane's departure, highlighting the level of personal attention and meticulous follow-up the consulate devotes to such emergency cases.
Historical background of citizen welfare efforts
Serving and caring for citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's foreign policy, a long-standing and deeply rooted approach. For decades, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a comprehensive system through its embassies and consulates worldwide, whose primary mission is to monitor citizens' affairs and provide assistance in various circumstances, whether medical emergencies, legal matters, or even crises and natural disasters. Medical evacuations are a prime example of this care, requiring high-level coordination among several entities, including the Kingdom's health authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local authorities in the host country, to ensure the patient's safe and rapid transfer.
Importance and expected impact
This initiative is of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, it strengthens the Saudi citizen's trust in their country, instilling a sense of security and reassurance while traveling or residing abroad, knowing there is a robust support network ready to intervene when needed. Regionally and internationally, these humanitarian efforts showcase the civilized image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and underscore its commitment to human rights conventions and the well-being of its citizens, thus enhancing its international reputation and standing. This process also reflects the positive level of cooperation between the Kingdom and Turkey, as facilitating such complex medical procedures demonstrates strong diplomatic relations and effective communication channels between the two countries—a vital matter, especially given that Istanbul is a major tourist, medical, and investment destination for Saudi citizens.
