Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Nabil Ammar, and the European Commissioner in charge of Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, reaffirmed their mutual commitment to bolstering the Tunisian-European partnership. In a telephonic conversation held on Friday, both sides accentuated the significance of this bilateral relationship.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Affairs ministry that evening, the two officials also highlighted the urgency to expedite the efforts in implementing the memorandum of understanding that was signed between Tunisia and the European Union last July, addressing all its facets.
The European Union (EU) and Tunisia share a long history of bilateral relations. Since the 1995 Barcelona Declaration, which aimed at creating a Euro-Mediterranean partnership, Tunisia has been a prominent partner in the Southern Mediterranean. This relationship was further deepened post the 2011 Tunisian revolution, with the EU expressing support for Tunisia’s democratic transition.
Moreover, the EU remains Tunisia’s primary trading partner, and there has been a constant drive to diversify and deepen this economic relationship. The partnership also extends beyond just trade and covers areas such as governance, civil society, migration, and more.
The memorandum mentioned in the article signifies the continuous efforts of both sides to ensure cooperation on various fronts. Given the geostrategic importance of Tunisia in North Africa, its stability, prosperity, and democratic progress remain of paramount interest to the EU.
Additionally, with rising concerns over migration patterns in recent years, the dialogue on migration between Tunisia and the EU has intensified. Both sides recognize the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, which include socio-economic disparities, lack of employment opportunities, and regional security challenges.
Cultural and educational exchanges have also been an integral part of the Tunisian-European partnership. Programs like Erasmus+ have facilitated the exchange of students, academics, and professionals between Tunisia and various EU member states. Such initiatives foster mutual understanding and build bridges between societies, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
