Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
June 21, 2021

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs (PAFA) and Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Robert E.A. Borje meets with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 21, 2021.

The two officials mutually agree on strengthening the GCC-Philippines relations while tackling a wide range of issues affecting the Philippines and the regional bloc. They also discuss the opening of new opportunities that both parties can maximize amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the meeting, PAFA Borje mentions that a significant number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are employed in GCC countries. Furthermore, he expresses hope that the GCC commitment in supporting the rights of migrant workers will benefit overseas Filipinos in the region as well.

In response, GCC Secretary General Al-Hajraf assures the Special Envoy on the collective commitment of the GCC members in upholding migrant workers’ rights and cites leaders who promised to put the workers’ welfare in consideration.

The meeting with the GCC Secretary General is part of the program for PAFA Borje’s Official Visit to Saudi Arabia that aims to further improve the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Kingdom. The Official Visit is also anchored on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s promise of Kalinga at Malasakit for OFWs globally.

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