Tunis:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad hosted a signing ceremony on November 10, 2026, for a grant agreement provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tunisia. This grant, amounting to €60,920,000, aims to fund the Tunisian Coastal Protection Program.

According to Republic of Tunisia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration And Tunisians Abroad, the agreement was signed by Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, and Ms. Melanie Maas Geesteranus, Director General of the Dutch institution "Invest International B.V." This institution focuses on funding projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. The signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, the designated Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tunisia, and Ms. Elisabeth Wolbers, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Tunisia.

The Dutch grant will finance phases four, five, and an additional phase of the Coastal Protection Program, which began in 2013 as part of Tunisian-German cooperation with funding from the Reconstruction Credit Institute (KfW). The project involves protecting three additional sites Bizerte, the area from Southern Sousse to Sqanes and Qaraya in Monastir, and the northeastern coast of Djerba Island. It also includes a study on protecting the coastline from Beni Khiar to Yasmine Hammamet.

During discussions with Ms. Maas Geesteranus, Minister Nafti praised the strong friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, expressing gratitude for Dutch support and eagerness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Dutch expertise in developing sustainable solutions across vital sectors such as agriculture, water management, transport, and infrastructure.

Ms. Maas Geesteranus highlighted her country's keen interest in strengthening cooperation with Tunisia, viewing it as an important partner in North Africa.