Foreign Minister Tonio Borg eiterated this morning that Malta would do all it could to help Tunisia in its transition to demcoracy.

Speaking at the opening of a meeting in Malta of the Malta-Tunisia Joint Commission, the minister said Malta is  committed to do its utmost to assist Tunisia through this pivotal moment in its history which we perceive as being, which was replete with potential.

"Malta has insistently urged the EU to extend full support to the democratic process and make available the necessary resources that can bring about the desired results. Investing in the younger generations through cross fertilisation of cultures, the arts and youth and sport for instance is one way how to secure a fertile democratic ground and good governance for the future."

In this connection, Dr Borg said, he welcomed  the signing of the Agreement on Youth Cooperation on the margins of this Joint Commission as a clear catalytic agent for enhancing relations in this sphere.

The minister recalled that during his visit to Tunis earlier this year, he asked by the Tunisian authorities if the Malta Government could launch new scholarships for civil servants and diplomatic staff in advanced studies of the English Language. 

Dr Borg said the first set of scholarships in this regard had since been approved.  The Cabinet recently also  approved another package of scholarships in several fields in favour of Tunisia nationals including diplomatic studies with effect from the beginning of next year.

The minister said the Joint Commission was the flagship of relations between the two countries and  a testimony of the commitment  for the enhancement of Maltese-Tunisian commercial relations.

"While the bilateral trade volume has relatively remained stable during these last years, there is an evident need to work harder for an increase in commercial exchanges and investment opportunities," he said. He was confident that the newly set up Business Council would be a determining factor in probing business opportunities that the new political climate in Tunisia offers to foreign investors and to tourists alike.

The Tunisian foreign minister, Mohamed Mouldi Kefi, is attending the meetings in Malta.