Maltese MEPs take part in Tunisia talks

MEPs Simon Busuttil and John Attard Montaldo have formed part of the European Parliament delegation to Tunisia led by Luisa Fernanda Rudi Ubeda, the former Speaker of the Spanish Parliament.

The three-day trip was part of the European Parliament's delegation to enhance relations with Maghreb countries.

The delegation held meetings with Tunisian MPs, with the Tunisian Economic Development Minister, the Commerce and Crafts Minister, the Justice and Human Rights Minister as well as the Secretary of State within the Foreign Affairs Ministry who is responsible for relations with the European Union.

The talks focused on the ongoing progress in relations between the EU and Tunisia, particularly the implementation of the action plan that was signed within the framework of the EU's Neighbourhood Policy.

Tunisia is an active supporter of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and has registered significant economic progress since opening up its trade with EU countries. This year it is heading for an economic growth of just under five per cent. Human rights as well as the independence of the judiciary were also discussed with human rights organisations, with members of the Chamber of Advocates, members of the judiciary as well as with the Tunisian Justice and Human Rights Minister.

Dr Busuttil and Dr Attard Montaldo raised issues of direct concern to Malta, such as the recent Tunisian declaration on its exclusive fisheries zone as well as the challenges posed by illegal immigration.