Egypt’s FM reiterates support to Tunisian measures toward stability, development

CAIRO – 5 September 2022: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has reiterated support to the measures Tunisia has taken to achieve stability and development and fulfill the aspirations of the Tunisian people.

Shoukry made the statements as he received on Monday Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Othman Jerandi within the framework of the firm fraternal relations between the two countries, a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry read.

The ministers discussed means of boosting the bilateral relations between Egypt and Tunisia in a way that achieves the interests of their peoples.

The ministers also discussed a number of issues on the agenda of the 158th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level scheduled to be held in the league’s headquarters on Tuesday.

They addressed means of enhancing joint Arab work and cooperation mechanisms, according to the statement.

Shoukry and Jerandi affirmed the necessity to continue consultations between the two countries at all levels during the coming period to enhance the Egyptian-Tunisian relations.

Egypt has repeatedly affirmed standing by Tunisia in its measures to fulfill the aspirations of the Tunisian people since President Kais Saied embarked on reform measures starting with sacking the government and freezing parliament in July 2021.

Egypt and Tunisia also held numerous high-level meetings over the past year with the aim of enhancing political and economic relations.

This includes a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden in November 2021 in France and a visit by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh to Tunisia twice last year.

President Saied also made his first visit to Egypt as president in April 2021, where he met with President Sisi.

In May, Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli participated in the 17th session of the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee, during which the two countries agreed to make 2022-2023 a year of activating economic cooperation between the two countries and to activate a maritime shipping line between both sides.

This was announced by Mabouli in his speech at the Egyptian-Tunisian Economic Forum that was co-chaired by him and his Tunisian counterpart Bouden on the sidelines of the session.

“It requires us to work immediately to achieve this,” said Mabdouli, adding that there are no restrictions on businessmen between the two countries.