Special envoy sent to Saudi Arabia to ensure OFWs well-being, enhance ties

The Philippine government on Friday sent a special envoy for an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance bilateral ties, advance labor reform cooperation, and ensure the well-being of overseas Filipino workers.

According to a statement, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje was expected to convey President Rodrigo Duterte’s message on the importance of partnership and cooperation between the two countries.

Borje was also tasked to deliver a letter to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Meanwhile, Borje and the Philippine delegation will meet with officials of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking.

They will also meet officials of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate-General in Jeddah.

The delegation will also oversee the repatriation of Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola and Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary for Global Media and Public Affairs JV Arcena also joined the mission.

Duterte in 2020 lauded Saudi Arabia’s labor reform initiative, saying it was a “significant step” towards addressing concerns over the traditional sponsorship regime that exists in most parts of the Middle East. — DVM, GMA News