Carthage — President Moncef Marzouki conferred, on Tuesday, with Dr. Salem Sassi Chamekh, Libyan researcher, on means to make the most of this expert's knowledge in fight against desertification, a phenomenon that threatens several parts of southern Tunisia.

The Libyan researcher voiced will to make available to Tunisia his experience in desert truffle growing, explaining that such a product, a highly-prized commodity in Europe and the Gulf countries, would additionally improve the rural populations' income.

As reported by a press release of the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Salem Sassi Chamekh reminded that he had launched 27 European truffle plantations in Finland, which earned him the title of "father of the European truffle plantations," in Finnish media.

He expressed delight at the President of the Republic's tribute, underlining that this homage represents an acknowledgement for all Libyan achievements.