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.
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