Vietnam, Singapore explore vaccine passport option

Vietnam and Singapore would continue to boost trade and economic cooperation to aid the post-pandemic recovery process, including opening borders for flight resumption, vaccination programs and the possibility of adopting vaccine passport.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh during the phone talk with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Photo: Hai Minh

Such was the outcome of a phone talk between Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and Foreign Minister of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan on March 4.

Balakrishnan congratulated Vietnam on the successful conclusion of the 13th National Party Congress, the country’s effective containment of the Covid-19 pandemic and positive socio-economic development.

The Singaporean minister stressed the country’s priority in enhancing bilateral relations with Vietnam, especially during the complicated regional and global situation.

Balakrishnan shared Singapore’s experience about the “Changi connection” initiative, aiming to create favorable conditions for international business people to meet and connect right at the airport.

Singapore is willing to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens to transit via the country and return to Vietnam, added Balakrishnan.

From his part, Deputy PM Minh thanked Singapore’s active support for Vietnam as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-21.

“Vietnam expects greater support from Singapore to access safe and efficient Covid-19 vaccines,” said Minh.

The two senior officials also discussed regional and international issues that both countries share concern, including Myanmar, in which both expressed desire for situation in this neighboring country to soon stabilize for regional peace and cooperation.

Vietnam and Singapore would continue to cooperate within the ASEAN’s framework to find a solution for Myanmar.