News

PH, Saudi reaffirm protection of rights, security of OFWs

President Rodrigo Duterte and H.R.H Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif secured a deal to protect the rights of the thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Arab land.

According to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, during the “warm and cordial” meeting, President Duterte and the Saudi Prince discussed several issues, including protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of OFWs in the Gulf state.

“The President said there is need to expand cooperation across many fields, especially in security, trade and investment, as well as in promoting the rights, safety and well-being of Filipinos,” Roque said.

The meeting happened following plans of administration to expand deployment ban of first-time OFWs to Saudi Arabia after alleged abuse toward household service workers.

The meeting between the two leaders was followed by a banquet attended by members of the Cabinet including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go.

“Over a specially prepared Filipino inspired menu, the two discussed the strengthening bilateral relations and issues of mutual importance, particularly in law enforcement, peace and order and security,” Roque said.

The Prince arrived in the Philippines on Saturday for a three-day official visit in the country.

Related Articles

Back to top button