Tunisia stresses importance of cooperating with France

Tunisian President Kais Saied stressed the importance of developing and diversifying relations between his country and France, and implementing joint projects and programmes, especially in relation to employment, youth rehabilitation, migration, sustainable development, health and scientific and technological research.

This came during a meeting held by Saied at Carthage Palace yesterday with French Prime Minister Jean Castex and Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian.

A statement issued by the Presidency of the Tunisian Republic said the president praised, during the meeting, the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, which constitutes an essential pillar for elevating bilateral cooperation to the level of distinguished partnership, especially in economic, social, cultural and security fields, according to innovative visions and mechanisms, in order to meet the aspirations of the peoples of both states and serve their common interests.

Saied also applauded the ongoing cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, which recently culminated in a French grant to Tunisian hospitals and the inauguration of medical oxygen production units, urging Paris to continue to support Tunisia’s efforts to confront the epidemic, and most importantly obtain the necessary vaccines.

PM Castex expressed France’s keenness to continue standing by Tunisia as it overcomes its current challenges, especially in the economic, social and health fields.

He also confirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, following up on ongoing projects and supporting French public and private investments in Tunisia.

READ: To know what happens when presidents hinder state affairs, ask Lebanon and Tunisia