Qatar, Tunisia discuss signing free trade agreement
The Peninsula | 17 November 2020
Qatar, Tunisia discuss signing free trade agreement
QNA
Doha: Based on the fraternal relations and distinguished historical ties between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tunisia, and at the invitation of H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, H E President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied visited the State of Qatar from November 14 to 16.
The two leaders held extensive bilateral talks that focused on the relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to enhance and develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on matters and issues of concern to both countries on the regional and international arenas.
The discussions reflected the depth of bilateral relations and convergence of views of the two countries.
At the bilateral level the two sides expressed their satisfaction with the consultations and coordination between the two countries and looked forward to promoting all aspects of cooperation at all levels by strengthening the mutual visits of senior officials in both countries.
They also praised the distinguished cooperation and partnership relations in all fields, especially the economic and trade relations between the two countries, emphasising the real and diversified opportunities that the two countries have to strengthen these relations, increase investment opportunities, establish partnerships and implement value-added projects in many sectors and fields, as well as increase the volume of trade exchange and diversify it by signing a free trade agreement in accordance with the mechanisms agreed upon within the context of the Arab League.
The two leaders pointed out the importance of holding meetings of the Tunisian-Qatari high joint committee during the first quarter of 2021 in Doha, which will contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields of common interest.
They called for the completion of consultations on the agreements under study to be signed between the two countries to enrich the legal framework regulating bilateral relations, and they renewed their common aspiration and eagerness to accelerate the completion of the production project in Sidi Bouzid in Tunisia.
The two sides noted the importance of encouraging cooperation in the field of investment, which will play an effective role in strengthening and consolidating bilateral investment and economic relations between the two countries.
They also emphasised the important role of the private sector in achieving complementarity of interests between the two countries, especially through the legal frameworks and mechanisms for cooperation, intensifying meetings between businessmen and economists in the two countries and their regular participation in various economic, investment and commercial activities.
In this context, the two sides invited the Tunisian-Qatari business council to convene at the earliest opportunity. The two sides also stressed the necessity and importance of establishing a sea line between the two countries to facilitate the transportation of goods and increase the volume of trade between them.
The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the good integration of the Tunisian community in the State of Qatar, and stressed the importance of activating the joint committees stipulated in the agreements signed between the two countries to increase benefit from specialised expertise in accordance with the mechanisms in place in this regard.
The Tunisian President praised Qatar’s support to Tunisia to strengthen its efforts in combating the coronavirus pandemic, and the two sides stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening cooperation in the health field between the two countries.
At the regional and international level the two sides agreed on the need to strengthen consultation and coordination of positions at the bilateral level in various regional and international forums, in order to serve Arab causes and support just humanitarian causes, foremost among which is the Palestinian issue, and to enhance security and stability in the Middle East and the world, especially in light of Tunisia’s membership in the Security Council. They stressed the importance of the peaceful solution of all regional and international issues through dialogue.
The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the convening of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunisia under the auspices of the United Nations, and expressed their aspiration to achieve the desired peaceful settlement that preserves Libya’s security, stability and unity.
At the end of the visit, H E the President of the Republic of Tunisia Kais Saied expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the warm reception and generous hospitality that he and the accompanying delegation received during this visit.
The President invited H H the Amir to visit Tunisia, and His Highness welcomed the invitation and promised to accept it on a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
