OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

JOINT COMMUNIQUE

On the invitation of the Hon. Edward Fenech Adami, Prime Minister of Malta, H.E. Mohamed Ghannouchi, Prime Minister of the Tunisian Republic paid an official visit to Malta on 5 and 6 April 2001.

This visit manifests the close and friendly relations that exist between Malta and Tunisia and the desire to enlarge the scope of co-operation and to raise it to a level which reflects the aspirations of the two friendly peoples and to promote the establishment of a fruitful partnership and a balanced co-development in the Mediterranean region.

During this visit, H.E. Mohamed Ghannouchi was received by H.E. Guido de Marco, President of Malta, to whom he conveyed sentiments of friendship and high consideration from H.E. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Tunisian Republic. On his part, the Maltese President asked the Tunisian Prime Minister to convey a message of friendship and high esteem to the Tunisian President.

The Prime Ministers had detailed discussions on bilateral relations, and on ways and means to further strengthen them as well as on regional and international questions of common interest.

They noted with satisfaction the number of high-level visits between the two countries as well as the fruitful political consultations and the new dynamism which characterizes the bilateral co-operation in the different fields.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to enhance further bilateral relations and to co-operate on regional and international issues of common interest. They inaugurated a Partnership Day designed to highlight the progress achieved by the Tunisian economy, and its attractions to foreign investment including that from Maltese entrepreneurs.

During this visit, H.E. Taher Sioud, the Tunisian Minister of Trade, accompanied by H.E Hamdi Hammouda, Secretary of State for International Co-operation and Foreign Investment, had a working session with the Hon. Josef Bonnici, the Maltese Minister for Economic Services. The Hon. Joe Borg, the Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs had a meeting with H.E. Youssef Mokaddem, Secretary of State at the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both Sides expressed their satisfaction at the outcome of the Third Session of the Maltese-Tunisian Mixed Commission, held in Valletta, in May 2000. In this regard, they agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation mainly in the following areas:

economic and commercial cooperation;

agriculture and fisheries;

civil protection;

education and culture;

employment and vocational training;

environmental protection;

tourism.

In order to further promote the dialogue on the ways and means to strengthen their co-operation and to enhance the consultations on the regional and international questions of common interest, the two Sides agreed to set up a joint Follow-up and Consultation Committee, at senior officials level.

Both Sides also agreed to initiate discussions aimed at the establishment of a Free Trade Area between Malta and Tunisia, which is expected to promote business and commercial exchanges, investment and partnerships.

Both Sides exchanged views on their countries' relations with the European Union (EU). They underlined the importance to strengthen the dialogue on this subject, and the need to encourage their entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities offered by the Association Agreement between Tunisia and the European Union, and Malta's eventual EU membership. Furthermore, Tunisia welcomes Malta's prospective EU membership as this will strengthen the EU's Mediterranean dimension.

Malta and Tunisia reaffirmed their commitment to further collaborate within regional frameworks, namely, the Euro-Med [Barcelona] Process, the Mediterranean Forum and the Western Mediterranean Forum [also known as the 5+5 Initiative], in order to promote security cooperation and partnership in the Euro-Mediterranean area.

They exchanged views on the role of the United Nations, including the Security Council of which Tunisia is presently a member and reiterated their attachment to the principles of the UN Charter. The Maltese Side expressed its support at the establishment of World Solidarity Fund for poverty eradication], adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the initiative of H.E. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

On the latest developments in the Middle East, both Sides expressed their preoccupation at the gravity of the situation, and the danger that it constitutes for the stability and the security of the whole region. To this end, both Sides appealed for the resumption of dialogue and peace talks based on the principles agreed upon at the Madrid Conference and according to international legality.

Both Sides called for the expeditious lifting of sanctions against Libya.

Both Sides expressed their satisfaction at the results of the visit by H.E. Mohamed Ghannouchi, the Tunisian Prime Minister to Malta.

At the end of the visit, the Tunisian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Edward Fenech Adami, Prime Minister of Malta, for the friendly and warm welcome and hospitality he and his delegation received during his their stay in Malta. On his part, the Tunisian Prime Minister invited the Maltese Prime Minister for an official visit to Tunisia.

Prime Minister Fenech Adami accepted the invitation with pleasure. The date of the visit will be determined in due course.

Valletta, Malta 06.04.2001

SYNOPSIS

CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA

AND

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TUNISIAN REPUBLIC

IN THE AREA OF CIVIL PROTECTION

AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

This Agreement provides the legal framework for joint Maltese-Tunisian co-operation in the area of civil protection and disaster management. Both Parties undertook to collaborate together to anticipate and prevent natural and technological disasters, and to co-ordinate assistance in the event of a major disaster in the territory of one of the Contracting Parties.

The Agreement lists the forms of co-operation agreed upon by the two Parties. These include:-

exchange of scientific and technical information;

the realization of joint research programmes;

exchange of experts; and

training of personnel.

The Agreement provides for a Mixed Commission to make recommendations concerning specific sectors and priorities for this co-operation.

SYNOPSIS

CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA

AND

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TUNISIAN REPUBLIC

ON

SECURITY AND POLICE MATTERS

This Agreement provides the legal framework for joint Maltese-Tunisian co-operation in security and police matters, namely, co-operation in combating all forms of criminal acts, drug trafficking, terrorist activities, and transnational and organized crimes.

Both Parties undertook to exchange information, assist and co-ordinate operations to apprehend criminals, and prevent all forms of crimes and illegal activities.

The Agreement provides for a Mixed Commission to evaluate the implementation of this Agreement and make recommendations concerning specific sectors and priorities for this co-operation.