Meloni says satisfied with EU-Tunisia joint statement

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 11 - Premier Giorgia Meloni on Sunday expressed satisfaction at the joint EU-Tunisia statement resulting from talks with Tunisian President President Kais Saied in Tunis that she took part in along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
    Among other things, the statement refers to strengthening economic and trade ties, a sustainable energy partnership, and cooperation on migration.
    "We are very satisfied with the joint EU, Tunisia statement adopted today," Meloni said.
    "It is a very important step.
    "We have an important window of opportunity".
    The three European leaders presented a major investment package and promised diplomatic efforts to help Tunisia land a 1.9-billlion-dollar loan from the IMF to enable it to ease its severe financial crisis and avert the risk of a default.
    The unstable situation in the North African country has been a major factor in a huge increase in the number of migrants coming to Italy from across the Mediterranean this year.
    The EU leaders said they were ready to mobilize up 900 million euros on financial assistance for Tunisia as soon as the necessary agreement is found with the IMF.
    An agreement has not been reached on the loan so far due to Saied's reluctance to agree to the reforms the IMF has requested in order to grant the loan. (ANSA).