The first High-level meeting between Tunisia and Portugal was held on 13 Mars 2007 in Lisbon (Portugal). This meeting was held within the framework of the implementation of the convention of friendship, good neighborhood and cooperation existing between the two countries. This convention provides the framework for exploring possibilities of new investments opportunities and reinforcing exchanges of expertise and experience in different areas such as trade.

During the meeting was created a Business Council between the two countries and signed a cooperation agreement in the area of maritime transportation aims to fluidify exchanges. This meeting illustrated and testified tunisian president, Ben Ali, vision not only to strengthen the cohesion within the Maghreb and Arab world but also to rpomote and develop good relationships in the euro-meditarranean area; relationships based on a mutual respect for State sovereignties, solidarity and complementarity, and aim to establish a balanced partnership.

Tunisia has been the first country from that side of the Mediterranea to sign, in July 1995, a partnership agreement with the European Union; a partnership that was based on solidary and respect for reciprocal interests. In the same view, president Ben Ali, presiding over  a ministerial council dedicated to Tunisia external relations, held in 14 March 2007,  recommended good preparations for future similar meetings, particularly bilateral  commissions, as well as full respect in implementing agreements signed with the country traditional partners.

Source: AllAfrica: La Presse