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JAKARTA: Indonesia is in the final phase of negotiating a “reciprocal green lane” (RGL) with Singapore to allow essential travel between the two countries, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Tuesday (October 6).
In an exclusive interview with CNA, he said: “We have entered the final round or phase of the negotiations. And yesterday I had a phone conversation with Dr. Vivian (Balakrishnan), and we said that we are quite happy with the progress of the negotiations that we’ve done so far. “
“So hopefully, in the not too distant future, we will be able to launch this RGL along with this emphasis: that once again this RGL is specifically intended for essential business travel and official travel that is very urgent,” he added.
He also said, “Hopefully, sometime this month, we can announce ‘we’re ready for that.’ He stressed that it is important that health protocols continue to be implemented and maintained.
A statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Aug. 25 said both sides were prepared to start discussions on a “reciprocal green lane” to allow essential travel to gradually resume.
Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and Mdm Marsudi agreed that both countries should work closely together to strengthen cooperation in public health, enhance economic growth and investment, deepen financial cooperation and facilitate safe travel, said the release.
“Given the strong trade ties between Singapore and Indonesia, the two foreign ministers tasked officials with beginning discussions on a ‘reciprocal green lane’ to allow essential travel to gradually resume in a way that safeguards public health and security in both countries, “the statement added.
READ: Singapore and Indonesia to begin discussions on ‘reciprocal green lane’ for essential travel – MFA
When asked specifically when the green lane would be implemented, Mdm Marsudi said: “If we have announced it, it means that the negotiations have concluded … When it is announced, we agree that not long after it is announced, it can be implemented. . “
Mdm Marsudi added that authorities are now making preparations on the ground, such as ensuring that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can be performed at the arrival airport.
READ: E-Visas, Special Counters in Jakarta and Batam Among Indonesia’s Measures for Proposed Green Lane with Singapore
The top diplomat reiterated that only healthy people can travel to both countries for essential purposes.
“Our duty is to make sure that this person moving, traveling, is a healthy person. So that’s why the health protocol is to check before departure, check after arrival, then there are other procedures, and we really need apply them in a disciplined way, “he said.
Singapore has been the largest investor in Indonesia for the past five years. Last month, President Joko Widodo expressed hope that both sides would have a reciprocal green lane right away, noting that it could pave the way for investments coming to Indonesia.
In the first quarter of 2020, Singapore was Indonesia’s top foreign investor, with a total of US $ 2.7 billion in investments made, according to data from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board.
RETREAT OF NEXT LEADERS TO FOCUS ON HEALTH, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a leaders’ retreat on October 8, 2019 (Photo: TODAY / Najeer Yusof Muallim)
As in previous years, the leaders of Indonesia and Singapore are expected to meet later this year for an annual leaders’ retreat. It is Indonesia’s turn to host the meeting this year.
But given the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Mdm Marsudi said it has not been decided when the event will take place.
Nor has it been defined whether it will be a virtual meeting or a meeting in person, he said.
There will be at least three main topics that countries will discuss, namely health issues, economics and financial matters, he said.
“Singapore is one of our important partners for trade, investment and pre-pandemic, also for tourism. Therefore our Leaders Retreat is not event oriented. It is not event oriented but more deliverable. “.
READ: Excellent multi-faceted Singapore-Indonesia relations in ‘good shape’, says Prime Minister Lee
Last year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met with President Joko Widodo in October, where Singapore hosted the meeting.
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