The European Union has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia as part of what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Tunisian Presidency have described as a partnership between the two parties that includes the issue of illegal waste.
Yesterday, Sunday, von der Leyen tweeted photos of the MoU signing ceremony, stating: “We were here together a month ago to start a new partnership with Tunisia; today we are moving forward.”
While the Tunisian chairman said in a statement via Facebook that the signed memorandum of understanding concerns a “strategic and comprehensive partnership between Tunisia and the European Union.”
Said criticizes international organizations
For his part, Tunisian President Kais Said said after the signing of the MoU: “One of the challenges, not the least of which, is the need to find new ways of cooperating outside the global monetary system that was created after the World War. II; a system that is based on dividing the world into two halves, one half for the rich and the other for the poor, as He was supposed to be, and it can no longer continue with the same inclusion and content.
He added: “This memorandum should be accompanied as soon as possible by a set of binding agreements based on the principles contained therein. What is our urgent need today for a collective agreement on the inhumane migration that is behind the criminal networks.”
In addition, Said criticized international organizations, saying that they “acted only through statements”, referring to what he called “delusion and distortion in order to offend Tunisia and its people.”
Starting point for immigrants
In turn, the President of the European Commission said: “We need to strike at criminal networks, deepen partnerships and expand our cooperation in the field of search and rescue operations, border control, countering the smuggling of citizens and law enforcement.”
The three European leaders visited Tunisia a month ago and agreed to work together on a “comprehensive partnership” package that includes fighting illegal immigration, sustainable energy and strengthening economic and trade relations.
The European Union hopes to stop the influx of illegal immigrants into its territory from the Tunisian coast.
Tunisia, whose coast is about 150 km from Italy, has become a starting point for illegal immigrants to Europe, fleeing poverty and conflict in search of a better life.
