Singapore, Indonesia to open talks on reciprocal green lane for essential travel

Janice Heng

Published Tue, Aug 25, 2020 · 02:09 PM

SINGAPORE and Indonesia will begin discussions on a "reciprocal green lane" to allow essential travel to gradually resume in a manner that safeguards public health and safety in both countries.

This was one of the areas of discussions when Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi met Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Tuesday.

The two foreign ministers agreed that both countries should work closely to strengthen public-health cooperation, enhance economic growth and investments, deepen financial cooperation, and facilitate safe travel.

Given the strong business links between both countries, the foreign ministers tasked officials to begin discussions on "reciprocal green lane" arrangements.

Ms Retno, who is visiting Singapore from Aug 24 to 26, also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on Tuesday.

They both "reaffirmed the excellent relations between Singapore and Indonesia", discussed how both countries can continue to work together to overcome the common challenges of Covid-19, and encouraged further bilateral discussions between officials.