MANILA, Philippines — More jobs await skilled Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern nation prepares for its hosting of the World Cup in 2034, according to outgoing Saudi Arabia Ambassador Hisham Sultan Abdullah Alqahtani.

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In a statement released yesterday, the Presidential Communications Office said the envoy told President Marcos during his farewell call on Thursday that the kingdom would need skilled Filipino workers for the rail projects and the “mega projects”” in Jeddah and the northern region of the country.

The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world.

Marcos told Alqahtani that the Philippines could send workers as long as it has an available workforce.

Despite global competition, Filipinos still have an edge as workers, the President noted.

There are almost a million Filipinos living or working in Saudi Arabia, based on recent data.

Alqahtani said Filipinos became an important part of Saudi Arabia’s development, especially in the last 40 years.

“The development there in Saudi Arabia came with the Philippines also. It’s a common relation, common interest together with the Philippines. And we want to thank you, His Excellency, the government, the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs for) the full support in our work, especially in support at the international organization,” Alqahtani said.

Marcos said the Philippines is eyeing to expand cooperation between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia to cover other areas.

“I know your time here is very productive. Our relation with your country is as strong as ever and I think we will continue. We keep going and we have begun many things as well just during my time here as President,” Marcos told Alqahtani.

“Well, sinabi ni Senator Bato sa akin willing to attend. Sabi ko sige, kung willing to attend daw lang all the invitations, i-invite ko na,” Pimentel said.

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“So we would like to continue and make even deeper and more involved together with the kingdom and hopefully we can expand on all of the things that we’re already doing. This has all happened under your watch,” the President said.

Marcos recalled his previous discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and other officials, where they tackled “some of the most important matters.”

He stressed the “very good partnership” created between the two countries.

Marcos also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s position in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which was helpful in the peace effort in Mindanao.

“We are now getting closer and closer to actually having an autonomous region with elective parliament members. And (we’re) working very hard to make sure that it will be a successful effort. It’s so important now that we do that,” Marcos told the Saudi official.

Marcos visited Riyadh in October last year for the inaugural summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council.taya777