Tunis — Social, Solidarity and Tunisian Expatriates Affairs Minister Ali Chaouch received, on Monday in Tunis, Mr. Jean-Noel Guérini, Senator and chairman of the General Council of the French department of Bouches-du- Rhône.

The talk reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral co- operation, particularly in the social area.

Mr. Ali Chaouch outlined the guidelines of President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali's future electoral programme. He pointed out that democracy, pluralism and solidarity are at the forefront of his concerns, to strengthen national concord and as a constant foundation for the success and promotion of Tunisia to the rank of developed countries.

Mr. Jean-Noel Guérini expressed, in turn, admiration for the Tunisian experience in the area of balanced development. He expressed readiness of the regional council of Marseilles to consolidate co-operation with Tunisia in the social area.