Amman, Dec. 15 (Petra) -- Minister of Labor Khaled Al-Bakkar on Monday held talks with a delegation from Egypt’s General Union of Petroleum Workers on strengthening labor and trade-union cooperation and expanding the exchange of expertise in training and qualifying youth for employment in the petroleum, gas, and petrochemical industries.
The meeting brought together Abbas Saber, President of the Egyptian union, Ahmed Al-Sarouji, its Secretary-General, and members of the union’s board, alongside senior Jordanian officials and labor representatives.
Al-Bakkar emphasized the depth of Jordanian-Egyptian relations, noting that bilateral cooperation is reinforced through continuous consultation and coordination across key sectors. He highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and capacity building, particularly by leveraging Egypt’s advanced experience in oil and gas exploration and the petrochemicals sector.
The minister stressed that these industries offer significant employment opportunities for skilled and technically trained workers, and welcomed enhanced cooperation between the labor unions of both countries, in coordination with the Ministries of Labor, to facilitate the transfer of expertise to Jordanian youth seeking employment in the sector.
Al-Bakkar also underscored the role of labor unions in vocational training and workforce development, in addition to their core responsibility of protecting workers’ rights.
For his part, Saber affirmed Egypt’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Jordan in labor affairs, vocational training, and occupational health and safety, noting that Egypt has made substantial progress in the petroleum, gas, and chemicals sectors.
He expressed the union’s readiness, in coordination with the labor ministries of both countries, to support the transfer of Egyptian technical expertise to Jordanian workers.
Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Zyoud, President of the Jordanian General Union of Petroleum and Chemicals Workers, said the union is prepared to deepen cooperation with its Egyptian counterpart, particularly in exchanging expertise related to oil and gas exploration.
Al-Zyoud also commended the Ministry of Labor’s engagement with employers and workers, saying it contributes to expanding employment opportunities for Jordanian youth and preparing them to enter the labor market under safe and decent working conditions.
//Petra// RZ
