ILO Director-General visits Algeria

Invited by Mohammed El Ghazi, Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Guy Ryder attended a national tripartite conference and signed a South-South cooperation agreement on social dialogue and scoial protection to share Algeria's experience with several other African countries.

News | 29 October 2015
Mr Ryder was a guest of honour at the 18th national tripartite meeting held in Biskra in south-east Algeria on 14 October, bringing together the Government, the UGTA trade union federation, and employers' organizations, to discuss an evaluation of implementation of the National Economic and Social Growth Pact.

In his speech, Mr Ryder emphasized the link between growth and employment and the important role of enterprises in creating new jobs, "It is necessary to place decent employment at the heart of growth ... We must pay special attention to small and medium enterprises, including in terms of labour legislation, because they play a key role in job creation." He also praised the major role that Algeria plays in promoting the multilateral system.

The meeting also saw the signing of an agreement between the Government of Algeria and the ILO on the funding of a South-South cooperation programme on social dialogue and social protection that will enable African countries to benefit from Algeria's experience in those fields.

Mr Ryder was also received by His Excellency the President of Algeria, Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, attended by Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed El Ghazi, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, and Abdelmajid Sidi Said, Secretary-General of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA).

Mr Ryder paid tribute to the quality of the relationship between the ILO and Algeria, which was based on shared values ​​of justice and solidarity. He also presented his thanks for the financial support of Algeria for the ILO.

Mr. Ryder described as "historic" the relationship between the ILO and Algeria and concluded: "President Bouteflika has also discussed the world economic situation and the need to promote social progress as a guarantee of stability in the country. "