ANKARA, March 11(Xinhua) -- The Netherlands canceled a flight clearance for Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu just hours before his flight on Saturday, local broadcaster CNNTurk reported.
Cavusoglu was scheduled to address the Turkish community in the Dutch city of Rotterdam on Saturday despite recent steps banning Turkey's several ministers from holding public rallies.
Earlier in the day, the foreign minister said in a interview with CNNTurk that Turkey would impose severe sanctions on the Netherlands if his flight permission is cancelled.
Cavusoglu also said that he could travel anywhere as a foreign minister.
"I could visit the Netherlands following April 16 constitutional referendum if my Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders invites properly," the foreign minister said.
Last week, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu's planned rally in Rotterdam was barred by Dutch officials.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Thursday that they do not want Turkish Foreign Minister to hold rallies.
Relations between the Netherlands and Turkey has soured over Turkey's planned "meeting with citizens" campaign events ahead of the April 16 constitutional referendum.
