Tunisian PM affirms success of his visit to Qatar, values its continuous support

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Doha: Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior of the Republic of Tunisia HE Hichem Mechichi affirmed that his visit to the State of Qatar was successful by all measures, and that its outcomes will contribute in enhancing the level of brotherly relations between the two countries to broader horizons. In an interview with Qatar News Agency at the end of his visit to the country, the Tunisian Prime Minister expressed his delight and pride in this visit that succeeded by all measures, stressing that the visits of Tunisian officials have always been a source of satisfaction and pride, given the nature of the brotherly relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the relations between the two countries are strategic and exceptional at all levels, adding that the two countries continuously work on supporting and developing them with full devotion. What connects Qatar with Tunisia, besides the strong diplomatic, political and economic relations, is the sincere brotherhood and deep civilized and cultural relations that help develop the rest of the various fields of bilateral cooperation, he added. In regard to his constructive and fruitful meeting with the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Tunisian Prime Minister said that during the meeting, he sensed the extent of Qatari leadership's keenness to continuously support and assist Tunisia, adding that the State of Qatar has always been a strong supporter and a great advocate for the Tunisians in various circumstances, especially during the stages of democratic transition, expressing his great appreciation. He went on to say that the meetings were excellent and carried positive, supportive messages that reflected keenness to strengthen and develop economic and investment relations between Qatar and Tunisia, adding that he sensed a Qatari affirmation of its support for Tunisia during the coming period through investment and direct support. He added that there was an emphasis on strengthening the investment system in Tunisia during his meetings with representatives of a number of major Qatari financial, investment and banking institutions and Qatar Investment Authority. He stressed that the State of Qatar is one of the most important investors in Tunisia, which reflects positively on the relations between the two countries and pushes them to enhance investment opportunities during the coming period, emphasizing his country's strong commitment to providing facilities to Qatari investors and removing all obstacles in this regard. In this context, the Tunisian Prime Minister indicated that he discussed during the visit the possibility of organizing a Tunisian-Qatari economic forum, which also brings together a number of friends and economic and financial partners to support Tunisia and enable it to overcome the current economic difficulties. This is a positive message that reflects that there is faith in Tunisia and its ability to rise and overcome the current difficulties, given its great potential in attracting foreign investment, he said, adding that Qatari investments will have priority given the traditions in dealing between the two countries and the distinguished level of relations between them. He pointed to the promising investment opportunities in Tunisia for Qatari companies and others in the fields of renewable energy, industry, information technology and others.  He further praised the care and attention that the Tunisian community enjoys in Qatar, adding that he felt appreciation for the Tunisian community's role and contribution to the economic and development renaissance witnessed by the State of Qatar. The Tunisian Prime Minister praised Qatar's economic and urban renaissance, which enabled it to receive the honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, stressing that the successful hosting of the World Cup is a success for all Arabs and for the Middle East in general, which hosts for the first time this huge global tournament. He expressed his full confidence that the State of Qatar is able to organize an exceptional tournament thanks to its financial and human capabilities, adding that he is fully confident that the World Cup will enter a new era after 2022. He emphasized that it will be message that Qatar is capable and that the region is ready to dazzle the world. With regard to the consultations between Qatar and Tunisia on regional issues, he stressed that the two countries share common visions on many issues, which are aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in the region in general and the Maghreb and North Africa in particular. In this context, he affirmed that Qatar and Tunisia are playing a part in advancing peace and stability efforts in Libya and supporting the transitional political process; thus, contributing to security and peace and preparing for reconstruction and development in this brotherly country. He also noted that the convergence of the Qatari and Tunisian positions on regional issues stems from their reliance on political rationality, as the two countries stand by just causes and support peoples' rights to freedom and justice. In response to a question regarding Tunisia's talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said that they have an economic rescue project that is supported by various state institutions. There is a great hope for the success of the talks with the IMF, he said, adding that they are able to overcome the current stage with all its challenges and with the support and cooperation of brothers and friends around the world. On Tunisia's internal transformations, he affirmed that his country had gone beyond many difficult stages and succeeded in the democratic transition and the consolidation of democratic and constitutional institutions, adding that they know that any democratic transition faces difficulties, but the Tunisian people will not neglect the gains that have been achieved so far and have a great ability to deal with these difficulties through an institutional framework. MENAFN01062021000063011010ID1102187945