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OPA News Release: [06/08/2005]
Contact Name:
Dirk Fillpot
or Mike Biddle
Phone Number:
202-693-4676
Release Number: 05-1032-NAT
U.S. Secretary of Labor and Iraqi Minister of Labor Meet
To Discuss Cooperation to Enhance
Employment Opportunities and Training for Iraqi Workers
GENEVA, Switzerland — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
held a bilateral meeting with Iraqi Minister of Labor and Social Affairs
Idris Hadi at the 93rd International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The two labor leaders discussed how Iraq might enhance employment opportunities
through training programs, strengthening the capabilities of the Labor
Ministry to serve Iraqi workers, and the provision of continued training
to ministry staff.
Secretary Chao also relayed to Minister Hadi the United States' continued
strong support for the Iraqi people and for the government's efforts to
bring democracy and prosperity to the country.
“The Iraqi people are to be lauded for the remarkable progress they have
made towards building a constitutional democracy in their country,” Secretary
Chao said. “Increasing employment opportunities is an essential part of
enhancing stability in Iraq.”
The U.S. Department of Labor has provided the Iraqi government technical
assistance in developing the country's capacity to meet the needs of job-seeking
Iraqi citizens. In July, the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics will
train five Iraqi statisticians to measure employment and unemployment.
“The United States will continue to support the Iraqi people and the
government's efforts to build a new, democratic Iraq,” Secretary Chao
said.
Secretary Chao visited Iraq in January 2004 and attended the inauguration
of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs' Employment and Training Center
in Baghdad. The Center is operated by the restored Ministry of Labor
and Social Affairs and provides services and benefits to Iraq 's most
vulnerable citizens. The Ministry's career professionals administer the
private social security pension fund and welfare program, giving the nation's
children, elderly, widows and disabled the financial means to survive.
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