The Tunisian government, on June 23, 2014, hosted a farewell ceremony in honor of the African Development Bank (AfDB), as the institution is leaving the country after eleven years of temporary relocation in Tunis. The ceremony took place at the government house (Kasbah) in Tunis.

Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa expressed gratitude to the AfDB "for being among the country's best friends and for its valuable support to the country's economy over the recent years."

"When my country was in need, you were there. You are our partner of choice and the people of Tunisia are very grateful for this," Jomaa said, adding that "Tunisia will always remember the Bank."

President Kaberuka formally informed Jomaa of the decision taken by the Bank's Board of Governors to return to its statutory headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. He noted that even the most desired departures have their melancholy. "It is with a very heavy heart that we are leaving the country," He said.

Kaberuka also observed that during the decade spent in Tunisia, each and every staff member has been able to establish ties with Tunisians who have worked tirelessly at the Bank.

He reiterated his gratitude to the government and the people of Tunisia for their unfailing hospitality, as well as for the collaborative efforts with the government of Côte d'Ivoire to ensure a smooth return to Abidjan.

"During the revolution, the Bank also went through rough time, but we were able to work together with Tunisians who helped us a great deal. Be our Ambassadors and let your people know that we have spent good times here. We learnt a lot from your experience in terms of partnership and we will keep on working together," Kaberuka concluded.