Cairo: During the launch of the Arab Labor Conference, Iraq’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Asadi, expressed unwavering support for Palestine and endorsed its request for observer membership in the International Labor Organization. Al-Asadi emphasized Iraq’s steadfast backing of the Palestinian cause, condemning the ongoing aggression in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which he described as crimes witnessed by the global community.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Asadi, speaking at the first plenary session of the 51st Arab Labor Conference in Cairo, underscored Iraq’s upcoming role as host of the Arab Summit in Baghdad next month. This summit is expected to reaffirm Iraq’s support for the Palestinian issue, which Al-Asadi referred to as a “central issue.”

The Minister highlighted the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ achievements, focusing on Iraq’s efforts to align its legislation with international standards. These efforts include the employment of the unemployed and the expansion of social protection. He detailed recent legislative developments like the Workers’ Retirement and Social Security Law and the Soft Loans Law, which support youth entrepreneurship through income-generating projects.

Al-Asadi also addressed the impact of these initiatives on Iraq’s socio-economic indicators, noting a reduction in the poverty rate from 22.5% to 17.5% and a decrease in unemployment from 16.5% to 13.5%. The initiatives have led to over 7.6 million individuals receiving social security benefits and 450,000 full-time employees benefiting from these measures. He emphasized ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, Al-Asadi highlighted government investment projects totaling nearly $90 billion over the past two years, aimed at boosting the national economy and strengthening the private sector’s role in development. He praised the Arab Labor Organization for fostering coordination among member states and announced Iraq’s support for Palestine’s observer membership request at the upcoming International Labor Organization session, marking a step towards full membership in international forums.