PNG shuts Jerusalem Embassy and halts UAE mission amid Middle East war

Papua New Guinea has officially closed its embassy in Jerusalem and suspended the establishment of a new mission in the United Arab Emirates as full-scale war erupts in the Middle East.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced Monday that diplomatic staff in Israel have been ordered to hunker down in bomb shelters following the escalation of conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

The government plans to relocate all Jerusalem embassy operations back to Port Moresby as soon as borders and airspace reopen for evacuation.

The crisis has also derailed the expansion of PNG’s diplomatic footprint.

"The new embassy that we were establishing in United Arab Emirates… will be put temporarily on halt," Tkatchenko said, adding that staff have been directed to remain in Papua New Guinea until the situation eases.

While both missions are considered vital for long-term trade and economic benefits, the Minister emphasized that the safety of citizens is the current priority.

Repatriation efforts are currently stalled due to the total closure of land borders and airspace across West Asia and the Middle East. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Elias Wohengu said any current evacuation attempt is highly risky.

For now, PNG is relying on host country support, where stranded nationals are advised to follow humanitarian instructions issued by regional governments to service providers.

PNG is also lean on Australia for assistance, where the Australian government and its missions in Israel and the UAE have offered to assist any PNG citizens caught in the conflict.

A significant challenge for the Department of Foreign Affairs is the lack of data on how many Papua New Guineans are currently in the war zone. Because citizens are not required by law to report overseas travel, the department only has confirmed information on a small number of people in the UAE.

The Ministry has issued an urgent call for information. If you know of any PNG citizen stranded in the Middle East, you are urged to contact the Protocol Division on phone: 3014115 or email: consular.affairs@dfa.gov.pg