Carthage — President Moncef Marzouki conferred, on Wednesday, with President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, the Presidency of the Republic reports.

The talk turned on "means to strengthen relations between Tunisia and the European Union (EU) and hoist them to the level of effective partnership," according to the same source.

Mr. Martin Schulz pointed out that the European Parliament is well aware of the challenges Tunisia faces in building up a democratic regime and creating constitutional institutions which will break with the past dictatorship.

The EU senior official also reasserted the EU Parliament's support to Tunisia in the socio-economic fields and development in the underprivileged inland regions, stressing that Tunisia "is able overcome the present transition stage and ensure its success."

President Marzouki emphasised, on the occasion, the importance to reach a better balance between the development stakes and the socio-economic challenges to be taken up, as well as to build up a real democratic political model.