Malaysia and Brunei agree to establish Reciprocal Green Lane
It will facilitate essential business and official travel between both countries
MALAYSIA and Brunei have agreed in principle to establish a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL), with Covid-19 prevention and control measures, to facilitate essential business and official travel between both countries.
The cooperation would include vaccination arrangements covering diplomats, students and expatriates, ensuring access to vaccine supplies for both countries, as well as the mutual recognition of the vaccination certification of both nations.
These steps would facilitate the movement of people between both countries and revitalise the socio-economic stability of both countries and its people, said a joint statement on the 23rd Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The statement said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safe cross-border movement, with safeguards among the people, so that public health concerns were addressed.
“The leaders agreed for officials from both sides to undertake consultations on the draft standard operating procedures (SOP) of the proposed RGL.”
Sultan Hassanal and Muhyiddin acknowledged the disruption to flights since March last year and looked forward to the resumption of air travel when the situation permitted.
They had expressed their appreciation for the collaboration between the two governments, particularly in managing the repatriation of their citizens stranded in each other’s and other countries during the pandemic, describing it as a testament to the close and enduring ties between the two countries and their peoples.
Sultan Hassanal and Muhyiddin reaffirmed their commitment to nurture this special relationship by broadening and strengthening collaboration in mutually beneficial areas.
They welcomed efforts to strengthen business-to-business engagements, including the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Chambers of Commerce and Industries of both countries, which would cover economic cooperation and commercial exchanges.
The statement said both leaders expressed their appreciation for the continuous efforts to deepen exchanges and promote strategic cooperation in various fields under bilateral mechanisms.
Sultan Hassanal and Muhyiddin agreed that the 24th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei would be held in Malaysia next year.
This is Muhyiddin’s first meeting with His Majesty under the consultation in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Muhyiddin’s two-day visit from Sunday was to honour the invitation extended by Sultan Hassanal.