Prime Minister Youssef Chahed started a working visit, April 23-27, in the Benelux countries: Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg.
Upon his arrival in Brussels, he was received by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
According to Adviser to the Prime Minister in charge of Diplomatic Affairs Tarek Ben Salem, the meeting focused on the major reforms undertaken by Tunisia, the current municipal elections, the EU’s classification of Tunisia among the countries likely to be heavily exposed to money laundering and terrorist financing, counter-terrorism and irregular emigration.
The two sides also discussed the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) in preparation for the next round of negotiations between Tunisia and the EU, and reviewed the emergency plan for the EU’s duty free import of additional 35 thousand tonnes of Tunisian virgin olive oil in over the next two years.
In his address to the European Parliament, Chahed spoke of the European decision to include Tunisia on the blacklist of third countries at high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing, saying this decision was “unfair”, since the EU did not consider the latest reports prepared by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
“Tunisia will take all necessary measures to get out of this situation and promises to mobilise all available means to overcome the shortcomings that led to the vote of the European Parliament,” he added.
On the other hand, Chahed has expressed the wish to see Tunisia reach a new status in its relations with the European Union.
“Tunisia aspires to a new status for its partnership with the European Union,” he insisted.
“Tunisia has taken bold steps and embarked on major reforms deemed necessary to boost the economy,” he said to justify Tunisia’s ambition to access this new status.
For 2018, Tunisia expects a growth rate of 3% despite an unemployment rate of around 15%, he said.
Chahed also reported a significant improvement in the security situation in Tunisia despite the extremely difficult economic situation.
“Although the security situation has improved significantly, zero risk does not exist,” he pointed.
TunisianMonitorOnline (source: TAP)
