PUTRAJAYA MAR.23: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today met his counterpart from Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan to discuss among others on the national vaccination rollout plans which are underway in both countries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement said, the discussion had focused on how the vaccination plan could facilitate cross-border travel between both countries in the near future.
The statement added, the two ministers had agreed and affirmed that Malaysia and Singapore are committed in three aspects and it includes:-
- Work towards recognising each other’s vaccine certificates with a view towards facilitating cross-border travel in future.
- Continue to make progress on their respective national vaccination programmes to vaccine long-term residents including Malaysians residing in Singapore and Singaporeans residing in Malaysia and
- Progressively restore cross border travel for other groups of travellers in addition to the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) taking into account the COVID-19 situation in both countries and ensuring the public health and safety of the residents of both countries.
“The operational details of the Reciprocal Recognition of Vaccine Certificate between Malaysia and Singapore including the detailed requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into both countries will be further deliberated and finalised by both parties,” said the statement.
Regarding the meeting with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Hishammuddin said, the discussions had also touched on sensitive and disputed issues but both parties are willing to listen and navigate together.
“However there will be a great future with regards to the bilateral relation between Malaysia and Singapore,” said Hishammuddin at the press conference after he met his counterpart here today.
Meanwhile Dr. Vivian said, the discussion had also touched on the situation in Myanmar where both are concerned on the disaster and violence against unarmed members of the public which is inconceivable.
“We call the stakeholders in Myanmar to have dialogs among themselves and subsequently we believe that there shall be no external intervention in the country’s political affairs.
“As members of the ASEAN, we are ready to give any form of support for the good of Myanmar,” said Dr. Vivian.- Malaysia World News
