Malta-Tunisia sign economic, human development cooperation agreements

Co-chaired by Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem and Malta's deputy Prime Minister foreign affairs minister Tonio Borg, the closing ceremony was marked by the signing of the session's minutes which provide for an annual schedule of the materialisation of co-operation projects in the economic and human development fields.

A memorandum of understanding on maritime transport was also signed between Tunisia's Office of Merchant Navy and Ports (OMMP) and Transport Malta, in addition to another memorandum in the field of sports.

The ceremony also saw the signing of a cultural co-operation programme for the period between 2012 and 2014.

Rafik Abdessalem expressed his satisfaction at the development of Tunisian-Maltese relations, stressing his country's willingness to diversify the areas of co-operation with Malta in matters of human development, particularly higher education, scientific research, employment and vocational training.

Speaking on the 5 5 Dialogue, Abdessalem deemed it essential to "assess the progress of the 5 5 dialogue on the basis of recommendations of the 2003 Tunis Summit."

Tonio Borg expressed satisfaction at the relations of friendship and neighbourliness established between Tunisia and Malta.

"The Tunisian-Maltese relations are dynamic not static," particularly, thanks to the regular political consultations and visits in Tunisia by Maltese senior officials after the January 14 Revolution, to support democratic transition in the country.

The 3-day Tunisian-Maltese joint committee took stock of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen and diversify their fields.

It also provided an opportunity to review regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly the Syrian crisis.

In this regard, both sides expressed hope that the crisis will be settled shortly.