Joint Statement: Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore – Meeting Between Foreign Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan had a meeting in Putrajaya on Tuesday, 23 March 2021.

The two Ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation and looked forward to strengthening cooperation to stimulate recovery from the effects of the global pandemic.

The two Ministers discussed the convening of the 10^th Leaders’ Retreat, which will be hosted by Singapore in 2021, and agreed to work towards restarting face-to-face bilateral engagements.

The two Ministers had a constructive discussion on their respective national vaccination rollout plans which are underway in Malaysia and Singapore, and how this could facilitate cross-border travel between both countries in the near future.

The two Ministers are pleased to announce that Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to:

1. Work towards recognising each other’s vaccine certificates, with a view towards facilitating cross-border travel in the future;
2. Continue to make progress on their respective national vaccination programmes to vaccinate long-term residents, including Malaysians residing in Singapore and Singaporeans residing in Malaysia; and
3. 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 Malaysia and Singapore will be further deliberated and finalised by both parties.

Both Ministers reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding relations between Malaysia and Singapore. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening mutually-beneficial cooperation in overcoming common challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the resumption of people-to-people movements, while safeguarding the public health and safety of residents in both countries.

PUTRAJAYA

23 MARCH 2021

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