EU calls for free trade agreement with Tunisia

The European Commissioner for Neighborhood policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn; has called for a negotiation free trade agreement between the EU and Tunisia.

Hahn is on a two-day visit to the country’s capital,Tunis in continuation of the plea begun by Brussels for a reassessment of the economic links with Tunis.

According to African Press organization, he said the the EU will seek to increase its financial support and strengthen Tunisian-European partnership.

Meeting w. PM H. #Essid.Confirmed EU's privileged partnership w. #Tunisia + continued support in view of challenges pic.twitter.com/mlPuUh7i7w

— Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) April 7, 2016

At the meeting with the Tunisia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khemaies Jhinaoui, he affirmed that Europe is willing to back democratic development in Tunisia and support its economy.

He also discussed ways to “expand the long-standing co-operation with Tunisia,” which he called a “key strategic partner.”

Jhinaoui said he had discussed with the European official the relations of co-operation between Tunisia and EU and ways to develop it and diversify its fields in the future.

He stressed the importance of supporting Tunisia to help it meet challenges related to employment and development in interior regions.

The Commissioner will also meet representatives of the civil society and will visit EU funded projects.

Tunisians are achieving a remarkable democratic transition but they are also facing unprecedented socio-economic and security challenges.

The EU has deployed significant assistance since 2011, and are determined to do more.

AFP, AGENCY