Talks between Presidents Ben Ali and Sarkozy strengthen strategic partnership between both countries
Tunis, April 28, 2008 (TunisiaOnline) --Talks between Tunisia and France were launched on Monday as President Ben Ali and President Sarkozy held a meeting during which both men reaffirmed the close bilateral and historical relations between both countries, as well as their commitment to strengthen a strategic partnership between them.
President Ben Ali stressed the qualitative evolution witnessed by Tunisian –French bilateral cooperation which will encompass the use of peaceful nuclear energy, financial and economic partnership, solidarity- based development and emigration.
The project for the creation of a “Union for the Mediterranean “ was among the chief areas of focus in the talks between both leaders. Both Heads of State expressed their satisfaction at the adoption by the Council of the European Union of this project.
For his part, President Ben Ali voiced the hope that the declaration of the Paris Summit, due to be held on July 13, 2008, will send a strong political signal which is likely to meet the ambitions of the countries of the area, just as it will set up a privileged partnership, while offering the best conditions of progress and development to the countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
The meeting was also an opportunity for the Tunisian President to reaffirm Tunisia 's commitment to the building of the Arab Maghreb Union, as well as to reaching a right and comprehensive settlement of the conflict, especially with regard to the Palestinian cause.
Following the meeting, President Ben Ali decorated President Sarkozy with the Grand Ribbon of the Order of November 7.
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