Singapore and Japan will proceed with discussions on the resumption of essential travel, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a press release issued on Thursday night, July 23.

Singapore among 12 countries and regions to discuss travel resumption with Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday, July 22, that the government is set to begin talks with 12 countries and regions to resume essential business travel, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The 12 countries and regions include Singapore, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Laos and Cambodia.

Previously, Japan had eased entry restrictions for travellers from Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

Abe also announced that the government will allow foreign nationals stuck overseas to re-enter Japan, provided they meet certain criteria, Asahi Shimbun reported.

The move is part of the government's effort to limit the economic blow of the Covid-19 pandemic by re-opening its borders gradually to parts of the world that have the virus under control.

Singapore welcomes the step to move towards resuming travel

A MFA spokesperson said in the statement that Singapore welcomes Japan's decision to include the city-state as one of its partners to commence negotiations on travel resumption.

Singapore and Japan are strong economic partners, and the establishment of a reciprocal green lane between both 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," the statement read.

Such a step 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 May 1, 2020, MFA said.

Singapore will work closely with the Japanese government to make progress on resuming such essential travels, the ministry added.

Singapore working with other countries towards essential travel

Singapore already has "green lanes" with China and Malaysia that allow for business travel.

The country is also working with other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, to implement similar measures once safety protocols are established, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing told CNA.

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