Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Closure of Salwa Road Paralyzes Qatar’s Land Transportation | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Riyadh- The General Customs Department in Saudi Arabia implemented the government’s decision to cut relations with Qatar and ordered the closure of land, sea and air transportation and the prohibition of transit in Saudi territory.

Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the General Customs Authority in Saudi Arabia Isa al-Isa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the customs banned the entrance and departure of cars and trucks from Qatar.

Isa pointed out that Qatari cars and trucks present in Saudi Arabia and Saudi cars and trucks present in Qatar are an exception as they are both allowed to return to their countries.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar has led to a crisis for Qatar in terms of air, sea and land transportation.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has sent messages to the Qataris saying that the Kingdom will continue to be a support for the Qatari people in terms of the country’s security and stability, indicating that Qataris are a natural extension of their brothers in Saudi Arabia.

In its messages, the ministry stressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing all facilities and services for Qatari pilgrims.

Salwa crossing is the only land road connecting Qatar with the world. More than 60 percent of the construction materials and infrastructure equipment and 40 percent of the food imports pass through this gateway.

It follows the geography of al-Ahsa province in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is located 460 km from Riyadh.

The crossing is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Saudi Ministry of Finance and provides services to passengers through passports, customs, police, traffic, the Saudi Red Crescent, border guards and civil defense.