RIYADH — Australian, French and Togolese candidates to be the next ILO director general have met with the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, to seek support from the oil-rich Kingdom as the election to the helm of the Geneva-based agency draws closer, the Saudi Gazette reported. 

 The first meeting was with the Australian candidate Gregory Joseph Vines, followed by a meeting with Togo’s candidate, IFAD President Gilbert F. Houngbo, and the last meeting came with the French candidate, Muriel Penicaud. the newspaper said.

 The meetings were attended by Saudi Vice Minister for the Labor Sector Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain and senior officials.

 "During the meetings, topics of mutual interest were discussed, including the latest developments in the international labor markets, in light of the repercussions related to the pandemic."

 "The candidates presented their ILO work agenda and future professional aspirations, and emphasized the importance of maximizing the cooperation to expedite the full recovery of global labor markets."

 "In turn, Eng. Al-Rajhi mirrored their sentiments during the meetings, and highlighted the Kingdom's role as a titular member of the International Labor Organization's governing body," the Gazette said.

 The newspaper added that "It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia was elected a titular member of ILO’s governing body for the session (2021-2024), at elections that took place last June during the 109th session of the International Labor Conference."

 In the past Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries traditionally were major donors to IFAD, meaning Houngbo may hope for support from Gulf states.

  jp