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Singapore’s foreign minister also said he was “pessimistic” about developments in Myanmar, an issue he discussed with Indonesian leaders.
Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 25, 2021 (Photo: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
(Updated: )
Marker
JAKARTA: Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Friday (March 26) that, ideally, Singapore and Indonesia should have the “same level of control” over COVID-19 transmissions before arrangements can be resumed. Travel.
In an interview to conclude his visit to Jakarta, Dr. Balakrishnan said that the resumption of the trip should be done gradually, safely and cautiously.
“I would like to reiterate the point that we need the COVID-19 situation to improve significantly. Ideally, they should achieve the same level of control that we currently have in Singapore, which means that every day we have between zero and one community case a local level “. “said Dr. Balakrishnan.
He pointed out that traveling in the middle of the pandemic cannot be like the days before COVID-19, until the situation normalizes and is equalized in the different destinations.
The minister also emphasized the need for testing, vaccination and the ability to share verifiable and authorized records, in order to allow cross-border travel.
“So this will take some time, and that’s why I completely agree with Mdm Retno’s (Marsudi) point. Let’s do it gradually, carefully and cautiously. That’s the way to do it.
“The last thing you want is to run before you’re ready. And then you get a great group … So be patient, but rest assured that we are working on this.”
Last weekend, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said he hoped to open a “safe travel corridor” between Singapore, Batam Nongsa and Bintan Lagoi on April 21.
READ: Singapore-Batam-Bintan ‘travel corridor’ for Singapore tourists only, says Indonesian minister
On Friday, Indonesia reported 4,982 new cases. There are almost 1.5 million confirmed cases in Indonesia.
Singapore reported 12 new COVID-19 infections on Friday. There are more than 60,000 confirmed cases in the city-state.
Dr. Balakrishnan is in Jakarta for a two-day working visit.
On Thursday, he met with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, where they discussed preparations for the upcoming Leadership Retreat. The two also backed an ASEAN summit on Myanmar.
Meeting between Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on March 25, 2021. (Photo: Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
READ: Leaders of Singapore and Indonesia will meet in person during a retreat later this year
MYANMAR’S SITUATION “WILL HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO RESOLVE IT”
Commenting on developments in Myanmar, Dr. Balakrishnan said that he discussed the issue in some depth with Indonesian leaders.
“It is not a happy subject. It is an unfolding tragedy that will take a long time to resolve. That is why I must confess that I am pessimistic, ”he said on Friday.
FILE PHOTO: Protesters hold up posters and a clipping of Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 15, 2021. REUTERS / Stringer / File Photo
He said that it is critical for ASEAN to consider how it can have a constructive presence alongside Myanmar.
“We do not yet believe in foreign interference in national politics, but as a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), we hope that you will take into consideration the views of our leaders … for the opportunity to discreetly, to confidentially, and openly between them reach the set of conclusions “.
There has been talk of a proposed summit between ASEAN leaders on Myanmar.
“All the different ASEAN countries now practically have to do their homework, and then this will form the agenda and the basis for more detailed discussions between them,” he said.
READ: Myanmar activists call for Armed Forces Day protests
He added: “Don’t expect quick fixes.”
He said that at the end of the day, Myanmar needs national reconciliation and all stakeholders will have to sit down for a frank, open and constructive dialogue.
Dr. Balakrishnan said that the aspirations of the youth of Myanmar need to be met. “We have to find ways to give them security, peace, stability and the opportunities they so highly deserve,” he said.
“This kind of confusion will potentially set you back a generation. Let’s hope for the best. ”
Dr. Balakrishnan will return to Singapore on Friday evening.
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