Issues related to migration and the challenges it poses, as well as Tunisian-German economic and financial cooperation and the prospects for its development, were the focus of a meeting between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mounir Ben Rejiba, and German Minster Katja Keul. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday evening that the Secretary of State reminded the German official of the evolution of the political process in Tunisia and its pillars, which aim to “establish a genuine and sustainable democracy at the service of the citizens, in response to the demands of Tunisians and based on their history and lived experience”. In this context, Ben Rejiba pointed out that the main challenge facing Tunisia today is economic. For her part, the German official recalled the historical relations between her country and Tunisia and reiterated Germany’s willingness to work with Tunisia to overcome the current economic and social challenges. Katja Keul talked about the issue of migration, stressing the importance of a consensual approach in order to deal with the massive influx of migrants. The German official, who is visiting Tunisia from 8 to 11 August, on Wednesday, held a working session with members of the Bureau of the Committee on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP). The meeting discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of trade and economics, higher education, scientific research, vocational training, renewable energy, as well as intensifying investment programmes and enhancing cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism. During her visit to Tunisia, Katja Kuehl will exchange views on German-Tunisian relations with representatives of the government, parliament and civil society. Developments in the areas of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and migration issues will form a special part of the talks, according to the German Foreign Ministry’s Information Centre.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse