AFP, Riyadh :
G20 foreign ministers on Thursday sought international cooperation over easing travel restrictions and reopening borders, as months of coronavirus shutdowns exert a drag on the global economy.
National shutdowns of varying intensity and duration have taken a toll on livelihoods around the globe as businesses are shuttered, revenues plunge and millions are forced out of work.
“During the meeting, foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive,” the G20 group said in a joint statement.
The ministers also discussed the “importance of coordinating precautionary measures” across borders to protect lives and livelihoods, added the statement following a virtual meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia.
The oil-rich kingdom, which has suspended international travel for months in a bid to limit the spread of the virus, holds the G20 presidency this year.
“Reopening borders, in accordance with all the protective measures… will help our economies to thrive, people to prosper, and will of course bring hope for humanity,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was quoted as saying in the statement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said concerns were growing that the current travel restrictions “could outlast the immediate crisis”.
He urged the G20 ministers to agree on “common criteria” to lift the restrictions based on a scientific approach.
G20 foreign ministers on Thursday sought international cooperation over easing travel restrictions and reopening borders, as months of coronavirus shutdowns exert a drag on the global economy.
National shutdowns of varying intensity and duration have taken a toll on livelihoods around the globe as businesses are shuttered, revenues plunge and millions are forced out of work.
“During the meeting, foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of opening borders, uniting families, and promoting measures to allow the economy to thrive,” the G20 group said in a joint statement.
The ministers also discussed the “importance of coordinating precautionary measures” across borders to protect lives and livelihoods, added the statement following a virtual meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia.
The oil-rich kingdom, which has suspended international travel for months in a bid to limit the spread of the virus, holds the G20 presidency this year.
“Reopening borders, in accordance with all the protective measures… will help our economies to thrive, people to prosper, and will of course bring hope for humanity,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was quoted as saying in the statement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said concerns were growing that the current travel restrictions “could outlast the immediate crisis”.
He urged the G20 ministers to agree on “common criteria” to lift the restrictions based on a scientific approach.
