BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Brunei and Malaysia have agreed to establish a green lane for essential cross-border movement of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to local daily the Borneo Bulletin on Tuesday, Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah held the 23rd Annual Leaders' Consultation with Muhyiddin Yassin, the prime minister of Malaysia, who paid his first official visit to Brunei from April 4 to 5.

The joint statement on the bilateral meeting said that both leaders discussed the possible cooperation between Brunei and Malaysia in vaccine diplomacy. The cooperation would be centered upon three matters which include a reciprocal vaccination arrangement for both nationals covering diplomats, students and expatriates; ensuring access to vaccine supplies for both Brunei and Malaysia; and a reciprocal mutual recognition of vaccination certificates between both nations as this step would facilitate cross-border movement of the people between both countries.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining people's movement during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring their safe cross-border movement, with the necessary safeguards in place so that public health concerns are addressed.

In this regard, both sides have agreed in principle to establish a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL), with effective COVID-19 prevention and control measures, to facilitate essential business and official travel between both countries. The leaders further agreed for officials from both sides to undertake consultations on the draft standard operating procedures of the proposed RGL.

The leaders also noted the disruption of flight operations since March 2020 and looked forward to the resumption of air travel when the situation permits. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)