The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, stated that Tunisian diplomacy is working to establish a pragmatic foreign policy grounded in national sovereignty, equality among partners, and mutual respect. The objective is to make diplomatic action a lever for economic development and the protection of national interests.
These statements were made during a joint parliamentary session devoted to examining the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of the State Budget Project for 2027.
A foreign policy based on sovereignty and mutual respect
Speaking before the Foreign Relations, International Cooperation, Tunisians Abroad and Migration Commission of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, as well as the Investment and International Cooperation Commission of the National Council of Regions and Districts, Mohamed Ali Nafti presented the main directions of Tunisian diplomacy.
He stressed that the country’s foreign policy rests on a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the defense of national sovereignty, balanced relations with foreign partners, and mutual respect.
According to the minister, the diplomatic action must also contribute to achieving development goals and safeguarding Tunisia’s strategic interests.
Economic, cultural and environmental diplomacy: several axes of action
Mohamed Ali Nafti clarified that Tunisian diplomatic action is not limited to traditional political relations, but covers several complementary dimensions.
He notably cited economic, cultural and environmental diplomacy, considered as components of the country’s external strategy.
Through these different axes, the ministry intends to strengthen the contribution of diplomacy to development and to the promotion of Tunisian interests internationally.
Diversifying partnerships and conquering new markets
The minister also emphasized Tunisia’s willingness to diversify its international partnerships and broaden its economic relations with various regions of the world.
According to his statements, the ministry is working to strengthen openness to African, European and Asian markets, in order to offer new opportunities to Tunisian companies.
This orientation aims, in particular, to multiply the possibilities for marketing Tunisian products abroad and to foster the attraction of investments.
diversification of economic partners constitutes one of the main axes highlighted by the minister to strengthen the contribution of diplomacy to national development.
Tunisians Abroad: modernising consular services among the priorities
Mohamed Ali Nafti also stressed the importance given to the Tunisian community residing abroad.
According to the statement published by the National Council of Regions and Districts, the minister stated that monitoring the situation of Tunisians abroad and improving the services intended for them are among the priorities of his department.
This approach notably relies on the digitisation of consular services and the modernisation of working methods within the bodies charged with serving the Tunisian community abroad.
The announced objective is to improve the quality of administrative and consular services, while adapting their functioning to the needs of Tunisian nationals living outside the country.
Diplomacy in the service of national priorities
Through these orientations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to strengthen the role of diplomacy in supporting national priorities.
Diversification of economic partnerships, promotion of Tunisian products, attraction of investments and modernisation of consular services constitute the main axes discussed during this session dedicated to the 2027 budget project.
According to Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia’s external action must thus combine the preservation of national sovereignty with the development of cooperation relations based on equality and mutual respect.
