Tunisi – Still ongoing the visit to Tunis of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, who was welcomed by the President of the Republic Beji Caid Essebsi.
Subsequently, Minister Alfano had a cordial meeting with his colleague, Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, followed by talks with Prime Minister Youssef Chahed.
During his meeting with Minister Jhinaoui, Minister Alfano recalled “the historic continuity and the commonalities of bilateral relations between the two countries.” He asked his colleague to express their cooperation priorities, which are: youth training opportunities; economic development of the hinterland; the fight against terrorism; the invitation to President Essebsi to participate in the G7 Summit in Taormina; the energy interconnectivity (ELMED project involving the Italian firm TERNA and the Tunisian STEG); and further development of the new settlements (especially palm plantations) in the Southern desert area of the country.
“Our objective is to make a quantum leap forward in the relations between the two countries and conclude with an agreement during the State Visit of President Essebsi to Italy on 8 February, ” said Minister Alfano. (9colonne)