RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Trade and Investment Majid Al-Qasabi has said that the Kingdom is keen on boosting economic and trade ties with Tunisia, as well as supporting the country to counter all challenges facing it. Following his talks with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi on Friday, Al-Qasabi’s added in a press statement that his visit to the North African country, leading a delegation from 18 government bodies and more than 50 businessmen, reflected the “dynamism” of bilateral ties and the mutual desire to promote them, especially on the economic, trade and investment levels. The high profile delegation represented the Saudi side in the 9th session of the Tunisian-Saudi Joint Committee, July 26-28. Over two days, the committee, held for the first time in ten years, discussed the challenges Tunisia is facing and the opportunities available for bolstering bilateral ties, Al-Qasabi said. The two sides agreed to work out a crystal-clear work plan to implement what they agreed upon in that respect.
For his part, President Essebsi referred to the “historical ties” between the two countries, saying they “are special and strategic relations built on solid bases of mutual respect ad fruitful cooperation.” He reiterated Tunisia’s keenness on pushing a head the wheel of development in the country, as well as overcoming its economic hardships. The Saudi delegation arrived in Tunisia on Thursday for the committee meeting that saw the two sides sign agreements to consolidate investment, social, and cultural cooperation. They also inked two loan, and grant agreements, to be offered by the Saudi Fund for Development to finance social, developmental and health projects in Tunisia.
