Tunisia: President Kais Saied met on Thursday at the Carthage Palace with Algerian Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, who was accompanied by Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, as well as Algeria's Ambassador to Tunisia, Azzouz Balal. The President of the Republic opened the meeting by recalling several historic milestones in Tunisian-Algerian relations at all levels, especially during the liberation struggles in both countries.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, President Saied asked the Algerian Prime Minister to convey his warmest greetings to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his sincere wishes of greater progress and prosperity to the Algerian people. The Head of State emphasised the strength of Tunisian-Algerian relations and the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, highlighting the importance of joint action during the 23rd session of the Tunisian-Algerian High Joint Commission to overcome all obstacles and implement all joint projects as swiftly as possible.
He stated that the world today is changing and shifting at an unprecedented pace, and collaborative efforts are essential to face these challenges by creating more wealth in both countries, whether in the public or private sector. The meeting also addressed global developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries to confront challenges, as well as the need to seize the moment to ensure justice, security, and stability prevail.
President Kais Saied reaffirmed Tunisia's steadfast position on the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to recover all their legitimate rights and establish their fully sovereign independent state with Al-Quds as its capital. In a video shared by the Presidency, the Algerian Prime Minister expressed President Tebboune's strong commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and his determination to continue working with President Saied to advance the partnership toward greater strategic integration and shared development.
Ghrieb mentioned that President Saied expressed his deep appreciation for President Tebboune and his resolve to keep working with him to elevate the bilateral partnership. He listened with interest to President Saied's perspectives on enhancing cooperation and mobilising available capacities to advance the partnership to the highest levels.
The meeting reviewed preparations for the 23rd session of the Tunisian-Algerian High Joint Commission scheduled for Friday, emphasizing the need to seize this opportunity to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks of bilateral cooperation. The discussions also focused on increasing bilateral trade and investment, which will be central to the Tunisian-Algerian Economic Forum being held Thursday evening.
The forum highlights the potential of economic partnership and its role in fostering development and shared prosperity in both nations. Ghrieb noted that the forum is a step toward building an integrated partnership supported by Algerian and Tunisian institutions, expertise, and workforce, aiming for a brighter future for both countries.
Additionally, the meeting reaffirmed the alignment of positions on regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian cause. It also addressed the situation in Libya and ways to advance the political settlement process in this neighbouring country.