Qatar to build integrated transport system to overcome embargo

Qatar is planning on an integrated transport system to overcome the siege imposed on the country by the Saudi-led group, Qatar News Agency reported Monday.

Qatar's Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti said the system, to be mostly self-reliant, will get assistance from countries that Qatar has agreements with.

The minister made the remarks on the sidelines of the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Foundation for Social Work and the Ministry of Transport and Communication.

The transport and communications sector has successfully opened maritime and air routes with other countries in a quick response to the blockade, he said.

The minister referred to the Qatar Airways new routes and transport links with major ports in Oman, India, China, and Pakistan. They have also succeeded to connect Hamad Port with 57 international ports in the region and beyond recently.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and transport links (air-land-sea) with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar denies the accusations.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)