Brussels, 14/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Internal Market and Services Commissioner Michel Barnier, visiting Tunis on 11-12 November, held discussions with Tunisian Agriculture and Environment Minister Mokhtar Jellali on EU intentions on the level of cooperation, aimed “largely at the regions in the interior of the country, which offer huge agricultural potential”, the Tunisian press agency reports. After his meeting with Tunisian interim Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi, Barnier confirmed that the EU is “willing” to “continue its partnership with Tunisia, by granting €400 million and lending €3 billion in the next three years (2011-2013) to boost Tunisia's development and create new jobs”.
The agency reports that, with specific regard to agricultural cooperation, there was discussion of “increased investment, in particular for infrastructure”, and “substantial funding” could be made available “to settle (unspecified) contentious real estate situations”. Barnier, it is reported, “indicated the EU's willingness to assist post-revolution Tunisia in the areas of water, improving the quality of agricultural products and support for farmers. He emphasised the importance of ensuring better cooperation between Tunisia and Europe in order to promote the agricultural sector with a view to serving the interests of both parties”.
In comments reported by the media, the commissioner said that Tunisia “should seek balanced land-use planning at national level”, arguing for a North African common market and a common agricultural policy in the region. (FB/transl.rt)