4 November 2009
Tunis — On the sidelines of the International Symposium of the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), held on November 2-3 in the capital city, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Foued Mebazaa had, on Tuesday, talks with several MPs who took part in the Symposium and delegations accompanying them.
Talks were held successively with Messrs. Evariste Boshab, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Francesco Cascio, Speaker of the Parliament of Sicily and Patrick Ollier, Chairman of the Economic Affairs Commission at the French National Assembly.
Talks reviewed relations of bilateral co-operation and prospects for strengthening parliamentary co-operation and stressed the need to step up meetings and opportunities of dialogue between MPs of those countries and their Tunisian counterparts. The purpose is to contribute to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels and diversify co-operation, given the role of parliamentary diplomacy in boosting relations among peoples.
They also allowed to highlight the joint action aimed to reinforce co-operation between the two shores of the Mediterranean and support initiatives designed to make the Mediterranean basin a haven of peace, stability and continuous co-operation, including in particular the "Union for the Mediterranean" (UFM).
Receiving Mr. Evariste Boshab, Mr. Foued Mebazaa stressed the interest Tunisia takes in co-operation with African countries, out of its faith in the importance of the African dimension in the constants of the country's foreign policy and the sustained support it lends to initiatives and efforts aimed to enhance attributes of security and stability of the continent.
For his part, the Congolese guest expressed consideration for Tunisia's achievements on the path of progress and prosperity, pointing to the importance of creating a parliamentary friendship group between the two countries and expressing his country's will to draw on the Tunisia development experience.
The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies reviewed with Mr. Francesco Cascio and the delegation accompanying him, including a European Parliament member, achievements accomplished Tunisia for all regions, categories and sectors. He stressed the steady progress made by Tunisia, thanks to the clear-sighted policy of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, his forward-looking vision and his comprehensive approach to development work.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Sicily expressed, in turn, consideration for the achievements made in Tunisia, praising the pertinent choices of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his clear-sightedness in the face of international hardships and economic fluctuations.
He also paid tribute to the gains made for the benefit of youth and women and the influence enjoyed by Tunisia in international bodies.
Receiving Chairman of the Economic Affairs Commission at the French National Assembly, Mr. Mebazaa reviewed the gains made in Tunisia and steps taken to reach the stage of partnership with the European Union. He highlighted the importance of boosting initiatives likely to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean partnership and redouble efforts to energise different mechanisms designed to enhance security and stability in the Mediterranean region, particularly the UFM initiative.
For his part, Mr. Patrick Ollier praised the continuous impetus given to co-operation between the two countries at bilateral and multilateral levels, given the progress made by Tunisia, the stability prevailing in the country and the its geographical position as a link between the two shores of the Mediterranean. He stressed, in conclusion, the need to take greater interest in the issue of environment and sustainable development. (TAP)
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 Tunisia Online. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
