Saudi Arabia says no blockade of Qatar


Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has said there's no blockade on Qatar and that his country will provide food and medical supplies if needed.

Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said yesterday before a meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Qatar's ports and airports are open. He said Saudi Arabia has merely denied Qatar use of its airspace, which he added is his country's sovereign right.

Jubeir said Qatar can move goods in and out "whenever they want," adding that Saudi Arabia has allowed families to move between countries.

In addition, the Saudi foreign minister said that his country is willing to provide food and medical supplies through the King Salman Center, a Saudi humanitarian agency.

Saudi Arabia has closed Qatar's sole land border and joined other countries in cutting off sea traffic, leading panicked residents to stockpile food.