Vella urges Tunisians to ‘take ownership’ of democratic reforms

Foreign Affairs minister George Vella said that the forthcoming elections in October will consolidate the democratic process in Tunisia. 

Vella said this in his address to a high-level conference entitled "Invest Tunisia - Start-up Democracy" held in Tunis today.

Participants in the Conference included the Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa, Prime minister of France, Manuel Valls, Prime Minister of Algeria, Abdelmalek Sellal, Prime Minister of Morocco, Abdelilah Ben Keraine as well as EU Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier and representatives from international financial organisations.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank also participated in the Conference

The agenda of the conference focused on the latest developments in the political and economic transition as well as the strategic vision, policy choices and future reforms in Tunisia.  

The conference enabled participants to better understand Tunisia's roadmap towards democratic governance and the building of a prosperous society based on the respect of human dignity and social justice.

Vella acknowledged the achievements registered by Tunisia and appealed that it is now up to the Tunisian people to take ownership of reforms.  He added that the forthcoming legislative elections next month will consolidate the democratic process in Tunisia. 

The minister underlined the need that all segments of Tunisian society are given equal and fair access to the decision-making process. 

Vella referred to EU-Tunisian relations and stressed the relevance of the EU-Tunisian Association Council that met last April.

Turning to Maltese-Tunisian relations, Vella said the ongoing bilateral cooperation as well as the recognition by Maltese businesses of Tunisia's potential. 

He expressed his confidence that the business communities in both countries will further enhance cooperation in the commercial and economic sectors. 

Vella also referred to the success registered of the first 'Rights4U' course for Tunisian youths in Malta and the hosting of Tunisian students in Malta to attend courses at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies and other scholarships in the study of the English language.