Singapore, Germany to set up reciprocal green lane

GERMANY and Singapore have agreed to establish a reciprocal green lane (RGL), the foreign ministries of both countries said in a joint statement on Friday.

Germany is the first European country and the furthest destination from Singapore that the city-state is in talks with for an RGL.

The RGL will allow essential travel for business or official purposes via direct flights between Singapore and Germany. Eligible applicants resident in Germany or Singapore will need to abide by Covid-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries.

Germany and Singapore have agreed that the RGL could serve as a model for future similar arrangements between Singapore and other European countries.

The foreign ministries said operational details of the RGL, including the procedural requirements, health protocols and application process, will be announced in due course.

Earlier on Thursday, Germany reported more than 10,000 new daily coronavirus infections for the first time.

Germany is the largest economy in Europe with a gross domestic product of S$5.59 trillion. In 2019, bilateral trade between Germany and Singapore reached S$21 billion.