Turkish FM Says Tunisia Successful Model of Arab Spring States
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and leader of Tunisia’s largest party Ennahda Rachid al-Ghannouchi have described Tunisia as a “successful model” of Arab Spring countries.
“The Tunisian and Turkish parties have affirmed that Tunisia represents a successful model of some Arab Spring countries,” Ennahda party said in a statement on Tuesday.
Speaking during a meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, Davutoglu reiterated his confidence in the ability of the Tunisian government to render the country’s democratic transition a success.
After meeting with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki on ways of bolstering bilateral cooperation, Davutoglu reiterated Turkey’s desire to foster cooperation and partnership with Tunisia in all fields.
The top Turkish diplomat also underlined Turkey’s support for Tunisia’s post-revolution democratic transition, according to the statement.
Davutoglu also conveyed congratulations of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the endorsement of Tunisia’s new constitution.
The head of Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly (NCA) commended Turkey’s role in supporting the country’s post-revolution democratic transition.
“Tunisia’s economy and development cannot be achieved without help from friendly nations with Turkey being at the forefront,” Mustafa Ben Jaafar said during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday, according to an NCA statement.
Earlir Tuesday, Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi confirmed that his country’s central Bank had received the second and last tranche of a $500 million loan pledged by Turkey last year to support the North African country’s transition.
“Turkey has stood by the Tunisian people from the beginning of the revolution until now,” Ben Jaafar said.
Ben Jaafar also assured the top Turkish diplomat that the elected legislature will speed up the process of ratifying the anticipated electoral law.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also praised the “consenual spirit of political actors and civil society members in Tunisia,” following the approval of the country’s new constitution which won international recognition.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu later arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital Sarajevo on Tuesday for an official visit.
Davutoglu will meet with the head of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, Zeljko Komsic, Bosnian member Bakir Izetbegovic and Serbian member Nebojsa Radmanovic.
He will later meet with his Bosnian counterpart Zlatko Lagumdzija, religious leader Huseyin Kavazovic and High Representative Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko.
Source: World Bulletin
