Tunis — A co-operation agreement in the sea transport field was concluded, on Monday in Beirut, between Tunisia and Lebanon, the Tunisian Transport Ministry announces in a statement.

The agreement was signed by Transport Minister Abdelkarim Harouni, who is on working visit in Lebanon on January 27-30, 2013 and his Lebanese counterpart Ghazi Laaridhi.

The agreement aimed, according to the statement, to organise the sea relations and co-ordinate traffic between the two countries, overcome the difficulties impeding the development of sea transport between Tunisia and Lebanon, fight against pollution and protect sea environment.

Besides, it provides for strengthening co-operation in the field of training and development of ports, technical assistance and exchange of expertise in this field, adds the statement.

Both sides also signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the mutual recognition of sea certificates between the two countries.

A MoU was also concluded between Lebanon's Centre of Research and Maritime Studies and the Tunisian Board of Merchant Navy and Ports (OMMP).

It aimed to favour the exchange of expertise in the field of sea and port studies and researches as well as develop the skills and infrastructure in this field.