A two-member delegation of the Shoura (Consultative) Council led by Osama Al-Kurdi left for Seoul yesterday to participate in the third general assembly of the Inter-Parliamentarians for Social Services (IPSS), which will begin in the South Korean capital tomorrow. The forum will continue for three days. Speaking to Arab News prior to his departure, Al-Kurdi said the meeting will evaluate the experience of member countries in establishing a legal and institutional framework to promote social services and issues relating to international labor migration, protection of human rights, streamlining of regulation for international cooperation, and creation of job opportunities for the physically disabled. “Saudi Arabia has been one of the founder members of the IPSS. Established in 2003, the group's objective is to exchange views among delegates of member countries regarding their practices with social services, which include care for the elderly, the handicapped and orphans; labor practices and medical services,” Al-Kurdi said, adding that he is being accompanied by Abdul Aziz Al-Otaibi, another member of the Shoura Council, and some support staff. Saudi Arabia was co-opted as a member of the IPSS in recognition of its social welfare program, especially for the rehabilitation of the handicapped and the elderly. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz is paying special attention to improving housing facilities for the poor and providing various facilities to the handicapped.
