In response to media queries on Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu’s announcements on 22 July 2020 that Japan will proceed with discussions on the resumption of essential travel with 12 countries and regions, including Singapore, the MFA Spokesperson said:
“Singapore welcomes the Japanese government’s decision to include Singapore as one of its partners to commence such negotiations.
Singapore and Japan are strong economic partners. The establishment of a reciprocal green lane between our countries will be an important and positive step forward towards restoring connectivity, and facilitating essential business and official travel with the necessary public health safeguards.
It will also be a follow-up to and complement the ‘Joint Statement on Facilitating Resilient Economic Activities for Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic’ endorsed by both countries on 1 May 2020.
We will work closely with the Japanese government to make progress on resuming such essential travels.”
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 JULY 2020