Democratic transition success in Tunisia hinges on economic development: Italian FM

5/9/2016 9:06:00 PM

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))

TUNIS 9th May 2016 (WAM) - Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui met Monday with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Paolo Gentiloni who is making a working visit to Tunisia.

Gentiloni is leading a delegation of businessmen and investors to the Tunisian-Italian Economic Forum held on May 9 at the seat of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA).

Speaking to reporters after the meeting Gentiloni emphasised the importance for Tunisia to work to promote its economic development.

"The success of the Tunisian democratic transition hinges on economic development" he said as quoted by Tunis Afrique Presse TAP.

"Tunisia is called to create a climate conducive to investment to attract investors generate jobs and reduce unemployment he stressed adding that the participation of some 150 Italian businessmen and investors in the forum reflects the excellent co-operation relations binding the two countries.

He recalled in this regard that the volume of trade between the two countries has reached EUR 5 billions.

More than 700 Italian companies are based in Tunisia employing about 60000 people Gentiloni noted pointing to the importance of turning to other "key sectors" for the future such as agriculture energy and infrastructure.

In another connection the Italian diplomat reaffirmed his country's willingness to co-operate with Tunisia in the fight against terrorism and work together to meet the security challenges imposed by the growing terrorist threat in the two shores of the Mediterranean.

Speaking about the situation in Libya Gentiloni welcomed the steps taken on the path of stability in this country notably through the installation of the government of national accord in Tripoli.

WAM/tfaham

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