Turkey sent 5,000 tons of foodstuff to Qatar: Economy minister

Turkey sent 5,000 tons of foodstuff to Qatar: Economy minister

ISTANBUL
Turkey has sent a total of 5,000 tons of foodstuff to Qatar amid its diplomatic crisis with Gulf countries, Economy minister Nihat Zeybekci said on June 17.

“Some 5,000 tons of foodstuff were transported to Qatar with 71 planes. The shipment will begin this weekend. Trucks are also on the way,” Zeybekci said.

A number of Arab and Gulf countries under the leadership of Saudi Arabia imposed tough sanctions on Qatar last week amid accusations that the tiny Gulf country has been supporting terrorist organizations. 

Saudi Arabia’s decision to close the land border with Qatar has caused shortages of food and some dairy products. 

Turkey has become one of few countries rushing to the help of Qatar, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressing that Ankara would not abandon its regional ally.