Philippines, Kuwait officials discuss labor row

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential adviser on OFW and Muslim concerns Abdullah Mamao met with Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah to discuss the recent diplomatic row between the two countries.

Kuwait had expelled Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa and accused the Philippine Embassy of violating state laws in the conduct of the rescue operations for distressed Filipino domestic workers.

State-run Kuwait News Agency reported that Mamao and Al-Jarallah emphasized the friendship between the Philippines and Kuwait.

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Both sides expressed willingness to promote and develop the friendly relations and "to overcome the crisis for the common interest of both countries."

Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Philippines Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaihk also attended the meeting. Saleh had been recalled to his capital for consultation following the dismissal of his Filipino counterpart in Kuwait.

Al-Jarallah earlier said that Kuwait was willing to cooperate with Manila to explore all means to resolve labor issues surrounding Filipino workers.

The Kuwaiti official, however, stressed that his government "rejects any breach against its sovereignty or laws and would act decisively against any relevant attempt."

The Philippines had acknowledged the assurances of the Gulf state to cooperate in addressing the concerns of Filippino expats.

"This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward and hurdle the challenges we face," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.