(ECNS) -- China and Singapore signed a visa mutual exemption agreement on Thursday.

The entry into force of the agreement before the Chinese New Year of the Dragon is a new year gift for the peoples of the two countries, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a press conference.

China attaches great importance to people-to-people exchanges with Singapore, Wang said.

The agreement will further enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Singapore and promote the steady progress of bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas, Wang added.

Holders of ordinary passports from the two countries can enter the other country and stay for no longer than 30 days without visas from Feb. 9 this year.