Humanitarian aid has been distributed to the distressed area of Thala, in the western mountainous region of Tunisia, by the Maltese Embassy, in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Civil Protection Department.

Thala was a key area during the Tunisian revolution, and suffered many casualties due to the harsh repression. The area is facing some of the highest unemployment rates in Tunisia.

Ambassador Vicki Ann Cremona and First Secretary Kurt Vella Fonde were welcomed by the President of the 'Association Thala Solidaire' and members of the local authorities.

They visited three primary schools where items of clothing for children were distributed. They met the teachers and noted their hard work in spite of difficult work conditions, and lack of facilities.

The children sang songs and recited poems while the ambassador chatted to them and gave them a few details about Malta. The Tunisian authorities thanked Malta for its generosity.