The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and for Federal Cultural Institutions of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, concluded their trip to Tunisia on Wednesday evening, representing the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and the 27 Member States of the European Union.

In the context of this visit, the two Ministers were received by the President of the Tunisian Republic, Kais Saïed, an opportunity to discuss in an open, frank and constructive manner the political, economic and social situation of the country. The agenda also included a working meeting with their Tunisian counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Nabil Ammar.

During these meetings, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership between the European Union and Tunisia, including the values and principles that underpin it.

The Portuguese minister, João Gomes Cravinho, underlined "the fruitful dialogue with the Tunisian authorities, which has allowed new paths to be identified for the deepening of relations between the EU and Tunisia, in the short and long term, based on the spirit of partnership and on fundamental principles”.

Belgian Minister Hadja Lahbib said: "We have been able to review the state of our relations, the richness of our many partnerships, the long history that unites us. It is on this solid basis that we have been facing political, socio-economic, financial and migratory challenges. Our mission was also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights that underpin Tunisian-European relations. These are the cornerstones for facing the future together”.

Following their meetings with the Tunisian authorities, the Belgian and Portuguese heads of diplomacy also met with representatives of Tunisian civil society.

Ministers will present the conclusions of this mission to the Foreign Affairs Council  shortly.

Tunis, 11th May 2023

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