Ambassador Mamady Traore of the Republic of Guinea to Kuwait met with Mr. Sami Abdulaziz Ahmad Alhamad, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs, on Thursday, September 13, 2018. This crucial meeting, which lasted from 10:40 to 11:10 AM, focused on addressing the concerns of Guinean domestic workers in Kuwait and strengthening bilateral relations.
As Guinea's first ambassador to Kuwait, Mr. Traore expressed his commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The meeting was a follow-up to his previous discussion with Mr. Anas Issa Majid Al-Shaheen, Adviser to the Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs.
Key outcomes of the meeting include:
- Temporary suspension of visa 20 for Guinean women: Kuwait agreed to Ambassador Traore's request to postpone the issuance of visa 20 to Guinean women. This measure aims to allow all parties to reach a consensus on the recruitment process for Guinean domestic workers in Kuwait.
- Emphasis on labor rights: Mr. Alhamad highlighted Kuwait's commitment to protecting labor rights, noting that 75% of the country's population consists of foreign workers whose rights are guaranteed by Kuwaiti law and international agreements.
- Future cooperation: Ambassador Traore expressed his intention to involve the embassy more closely in the recruitment process of Guinean workers in Kuwait. He also acknowledged the desire of many Guinean women currently working in Kuwaiti households to continue their employment.
- Next steps: Mr. Alhamad recommended that Ambassador Traore meet with Mr. Mubarak Al-Azmi, National Director of Labour, to discuss working conditions in Kuwait and explore the possibility of a cooperation agreement in the domestic work sector.
This meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing diplomatic relations between Guinea and Kuwait, with a focus on ensuring the well-being of Guinean workers in the Gulf state. Ambassador Traore's proactive approach demonstrates Guinea's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while fostering positive international partnerships.
The Embassy of Guinea in Kuwait will continue to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to address the needs of Guinean nationals and strengthen the bonds between our two nations.