In this context, Minister Haider met with the Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security, Widad Isik Han, who affirmed his country’s support for Lebanon and its standing by its side in light of the Israeli attacks it faces, which he described as unjustified.
He also extended an invitation to the Lebanese Minister of Labor to participate in the regional conference to be held on enabling Syrian refugees to return to their country.
The two sides discussed the importance of moving forward with the draft memorandum of understanding between the two ministries, in a way that enhances the exchange of experiences and develops partnership in the fields of labor and social security. For his part, Minister Haider stressed the importance of encouraging Turkish employers to invest in Lebanon and explore the opportunities available there, extending an official invitation to his Turkish counterpart to visit Lebanon as soon as possible.
Minister Haider also held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad, where the Egyptian Minister affirmed his country’s support for Lebanon in light of the difficult circumstances it is going through, and its standing by its side in facing the current challenges resulting from the Israeli aggression.
The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the labor and social fields, as it was agreed that the Egyptian Ministry of Labor would ensure the necessary coordination between Lebanese employers and the General Authority for Investment in Egypt, which would contribute to facilitating the procedures for obtaining the necessary residency and addressing the challenges and difficulties they may face. It was also agreed to follow up on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding on electronic connectivity, and to prepare for negotiations related to concluding an agreement for reciprocity in the field of social insurance for workers in both countries, in addition to launching joint cooperation in the field of vocational training to benefit from mutual experiences and develop human capabilities.
The two ministers stressed the importance of continuing communication and coordination and holding joint working sessions on a regular basis to deepen cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations in various fields of common interest.
Minister Haider also met with the Qatari Minister of Labor, Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, where it was emphasized that continued coordination and cooperation between Lebanon and the State of Qatar, especially after the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and the Qatari “Jusoor” company.
The Qatari Minister of Labor stressed his country’s keenness to benefit from the Lebanese labor force and Lebanese competencies exclusively through this path, that is, through direct cooperation between the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and the “Jusoor” company, noting that he issued his instructions to the various ministries and Qatari departments to adhere to this regulatory framework.
This came against the backdrop of a letter that Minister Haider had addressed to his Qatari counterpart, in which he pointed out that some private companies were advertising jobs for Qatari ministries and departments without any coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Labor, which the Qatari Minister considered unacceptable and unacceptable, stressing the necessity of restricting recruitment and employment processes to the official channels approved between the two sides.
These meetings fall within the efforts led by the Minister of Labor, Mohamed Haidar, to strengthen the international support network for Lebanon and expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, in a way that contributes to supporting the Lebanese labor market, providing new opportunities for Lebanese workers and talents, and enhancing Lebanon’s presence in international forums concerned with labor and social development issues.
