June 25, 2010

A working session was held on Friday morning under the co-chairmanship of Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi and his Lebanese counterpart Saad Hariri, with attendance of the two countries' delegations.

The meeting assessed progress of relations between the two sisterly countries and looked at means to boost bilateral co-operation and diversify its fields.

On the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Ghannouchi highlighted the historical and civilization ties binding Tunisia and Lebanon, stressing the importance of making the most of all means and mechanisms that would lend the hoped-for boost to bilateral co-operation, within the framework of a practical plan with clear outlines and objectives.

He laid emphasis on the importance of intensifying joint meetings and events between economic operators and specialized structures, of exchanging experiences and expertise, developing trade exchanges, exploring lasting partnership possibilities and reinforcing interaction of interests, emphasizing also the need to stimulate the Joint Businessmen's Council.

The prime minister asserted that Tunisia, under President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali's leadership, has been loyal to its constant principles in favor of reinforcing solidarity between Arab states and reaching a just and comprehensive settlement in the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of the resolutions of international legality and the reference system of peace operation and Arab Peace Initiative, so as to ensure recovery of all Arab territories, including what is left of the Lebanese occupied territory.

He pointed out Tunisia's attachment to Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to reinforcing the spirit of understanding and concord among its children and various components.

Besides, he recalled President Ben Ali's initiatives to impulse progress and modernization in the Arab region, achieve Arab economic complementarily and combine efforts to take up the challenges of the swiftly changing world scene.

Mr. Ghannouchi pointed to the similarity of views and visions between Tunisia and Lebanon about the need to energize the Euro-Mediterranean partnership process, to consolidate the foundations of the Union for the Mediterranean and consecrate the objectives for which it was created.

For his part, Mr. Saad Hariri underlined the privileged nature of Tunisian-Lebanese relations, asserting keenness to combine all potentialities in contribution to boost economic co-operation, and in response to the two countries' aspirations.

He laid emphasis, in this regard, on the need to multiply visits and meetings at all levels, stressing the importance of the two countries' private sectors in achieving the objectives set.

The Lebanese Premier expressed gratitude for Tunisia's unfailing support to Lebanon, particularly during the difficult circumstances it went through. He also paid tribute to President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali for his stands in favor of bolstering joint Arab action and giving it further efficiency.

He also commended the Head of State's judicious and rational approaches, stressing Tunisia's efforts to make a just and comprehensive peace prevail in the Middle East region.

Besides, the Lebanese official hailed Tunisia's accomplishments in all fields, and its pertinent development experience, which have helped strengthen the country's international influence.

Earlier, Mr. Mohamed Ghannouchi conferred with Mr. Saad Hariri about prospects of bilateral co-operation in light of the firm will to energize the High Joint Committee.

This meeting was also an opportunity to review a set of regional and international issues of mutual interest.