The Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, called for a revision of the partnership agreement between Tunisia and the European Union, to adapt it more closely to current realities and to better take into account the interests and priorities of both sides.
During a meeting held Thursday in New York with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, the minister stressed the need to give this agreement more realism and fairness, so that it can translate into a genuine partnership and solidarity relationship.
For a revision of the partnership agreement
According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Ali Nafti notably insisted on the need to review provisions relating to trade exchanges, financial cooperation and joint scientific programs.
The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of the relations between Tunisia and the European Union and the need to continue their development within the framework of a balanced partnership, based on mutual respect and reciprocity.
The minister also stressed the importance of taking into account Tunisia’s sovereignty and the respect for its national institutions.
The Euro-Mediterranean cooperation at the center of discussions
The two officials also examined the prospects for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
Mohamed Ali Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia’s support for any initiative aiming to strengthen integration and cooperation in the Mediterranean space, on the basis of an effective partnership and shared responsibility.
He also insisted on the need to take into account the priorities of partner countries as well as the centrality of the Palestinian question, arguing that it requires a just, comprehensive and durable solution, a condition, according to Tunisia, to consolidate the bases of security, stability and shared development in the region.
The migration and mobility discussed
The issue of migration and mobility was also addressed during the meeting.
The Tunisian minister renewed Tunisia’s commitment to a global and balanced approach to migration, based on respect for human rights and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
This approach also includes continuing the fight against trafficking networks and human trafficking, as well as strengthening pathways of mobility and regular migration.
Dubravka Šuica mentions “common interests”
For her part, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean said she was aware of the demands of the current period in order to build a partnership based on common interests, respect for sovereignty and the development of dialogue frameworks.
She expressed the hope that the Tunisia-European Union Association Council could constitute a starting point to deepen and develop this relationship.
