Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 30, 2025 – On behalf of Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Deputy Minister for Multilateral International Affairs and Supervisor General of the Public Diplomacy Agency, hosted a meeting today with Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Peter Rademaker, the ILO’s Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Riyadh.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for both sides to discuss a wide range of topics of mutual interest, focusing on areas of potential collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and international organizations, particularly the ILO. Dr. Al-Rassi welcomed the ILO delegation and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to furthering cooperation with global institutions to advance labor rights, sustainable development, and economic progress in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The discussions centered around enhancing joint efforts to improve labor markets and promote social protection systems in the region. The ILO representatives highlighted the importance of the organization’s mission in supporting member countries, especially in addressing challenges related to employment, labor standards, and social equity. Dr. Al-Rassi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing engagement with international frameworks and expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the ILO in these critical areas.
The meeting also explored ways to enhance regional partnerships and foster dialogue on issues such as workforce development, vocational training, and labor market reforms, with a particular focus on aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals for the future of work and its national economic transformation.
By hosting this important discussion, the Kingdom further demonstrates its proactive approach to international cooperation in addressing global labor challenges, reflecting its broader commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and ensuring fair labor standards for all.