Manama, Mar. 30 (BNA): Labour and Social Development Minister and Chairman of the Labor Market Regulatory Authority Jamil bin Muhammad Ali Humaidan received US embassy Chargé D’Affaires Margaret Nardi.

The meeting discussed the close relations between the two countries and means to develop them in the fields of labor and social protection.

Humaidan briefed her on Bahrain’s efforts in the fields of modernizing labor legislation in line with international labor standards.

The minister stressed Bahrain’s desire to enhance cooperation to benefit from both countries successful experiences in the areas of labor and trade unionism, combating trafficking in persons, and upgrading services and programs of protection and social care, noting the Kingdom’s continuous endeavor to develop the work environment and improve labor market systems, stability and growth.

He reviewed the government’s efforts to support the private sector and maintain the stability of the labor market thanks to the implementation of many initiatives to ensure non-layoffs, support for the salaries of citizens in companies and institutions, and the launch of the National Employment Program in its second edition, in implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which aims to accelerate the pace of recruitment and qualification of Bahrainis to integrate them into the labor market.

Nardi praised the advanced labor legislation and laws in Bahrain and the attractive work environment it boasts, pointing out to the efforts made to combat trafficking in persons and to protect workers’ rights in particular, noting the measures taken by the Kingdom to confront COVID19 pandemic.

She said that Bahrain has proven its ability to face various exceptional challenges, noting its efforts to avoid any negative effects on the workforce during this exceptional period, and to implement projects to enhance competitiveness and maintain the stability of the labor market and its productive sectors.

The chargé d’affaires expressed her country’s continuous desire to enhance cooperation with Bahrain in all fields for the benefit of the two friendly countries.