Over 200,000 Filipino workers consider Kuwait their second home.

KUWAIT CITY, May 18: The negotiations in Kuwait regarding the Filipino labor crisis have concluded without reaching a solution. The Philippines, however, expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to address the concerns and current circumstances. During the talks, the Philippine delegation, consisting of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers, emphasized their full respect for Kuwaiti laws and expressed gratitude for the presence of over 200,000 Filipino workers who consider Kuwait their second home.

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the measures taken by the Manila embassy in Kuwait are solely aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino citizens, reports Al Rai. They reiterated that providing protection for citizens abroad is an established duty of consular offices under international law and agreements. The Ministry assured Filipino workers and their families in Kuwait that the government would provide them with all necessary support and assistance.

Furthermore, Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi held discussions on cooperation between Kuwait and Lebanon, Russia, and the Philippines. He met with Ahmed Arafa, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Lebanese Republic to Kuwait, followed by a meeting with Vladimir Zheltov, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Russian Federation. Al-Otaibi also had a meeting with Mardol Silo Malikou, the Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East and African Affairs in the Republic of the Philippines, during the latter's official visit to Kuwait.

These meetings focused on various aspects of cooperation between Kuwait and the three countries, exploring avenues to develop and strengthen them across different fields and levels. Al-Otaibi extended his best wishes for success to the Russian ambassador in his new role.

During the meeting with the Filipino official, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the outcomes of the second meeting of the Kuwaiti-Filipino Joint Committee on the employment of Filipino workers.