Myanmar, Singapore agree on mutual visa exemption

Myanmar and Singapore agreed Tuesday on mutual exemption of visa for ordinary passport holders of the two countries, according a release of the Myanmar Foreign Ministry.

Notes on the arrangement were exchanged following a meeting between visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Myanmar State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw.

The exemption, which will grant 30 days of stay for ordinary passport holders in each other's country, will be effective from Dec. 1, the release said.

At their meeting, Prime Minister Lee and State Counselor Suu Kyi also discussed boosting of investment between the two countries, opening of Singapore's vocational training institute in Yangon, tourist promotion including Singapore's aviation flight re-arrangement and review of the two countries' avoidance of double taxation agreement signed in 1999.

Moreover, the two leaders touched on active participation in international affairs by the two countries.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived Nay Pyi Taw earlier Tuesday on a three-day goodwill visit to Myanmar, aimed at consolidating the two countries' friendship and cooperation and helping Myanmar in its development

At the invitation of Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw, Lee is the first leader of Asian countries to come to Myanmar after the new government assumed office on April 1.

Lee's visit also comes on the occasion of the 50th anniversary Myanmar-Singapore diplomatic ties. Endit