Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Tunisians Abroad Othman Jerandi expressed Tunisia’s pride in its African belonging, saying it gives it special importance in its foreign policy.
He also highlighted Tunisia’s full adherence to the values of solidarity and co-operation in all fields, especially in light of the health crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussion on the entire world.
Delivering Tunisia’s speech at the 35th Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), Jerandi pointed out that the principles of solidarity and synergy among countries of the continent are the most important conditions for the success of the AU’s Development Agenda 2063. They will help reach an African edifice that enhances the ability of African countries to confront various security challenges, including Organised crime, terrorism, human trafficking and irregular migration, he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said Tunisia will spare no effort in supporting African and international efforts aimed at establishing peace and security and enhancing stability and prosperity, according to a comprehensive approach in which the security dimension is intertwined with development in order to find radical solutions to all threats and conflicts.
Jerandi expressed Tunisia’s appreciation for the confidence granted by African countries during the elections for membership of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (2022-2024). that Tunisia will continue to raise the voice of Africa and defend just causes, as was the case during its membership in the UN Security Council, he pointed out.
The FM stressed the need to continue supporting Libya in its political path within the framework of unity, dialogue and national reconciliation, in a way that contributes to ending the crisis and spreading security and stability in its entire territory.
He also indicated that the commitment of African countries to defend just causes requires mobilizing and unifying African efforts to correct the injustice s against the Palestinian people in order to help them restore their legitimate rights and establish their independent state, based on the decisions of international legitimacy.
Jerandi said in conclusion that Tunisia’s hosting of the 8th «Tokyo International Conference on Development in Africa» in August 2022 and the 18th Francophone Summit in November 2022, will be opportunities to strengthen African-African c o-operation and explore broader prospects of partnership between African countries and the rest of the world, regional and political spaces