OPR- Wednesday, 5th July, 2006

During the second day of the State Visit to the Republic of Tunisia, the President of Malta, Dr. Edward Fenech Adami, had a second meeting with the President of Tunisia, Mr. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, at Carthage Palace.

During the meeting both Presidents discussed aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as international matters. President Fenech Adami expressed his satisfaction that the close relations that exist between the two countries have been enhanced, also as a result of the State Visit of President Ben Ali to Malta last year and the current state visit to Tunisia. Bilateral relations are strengthened further as a result of increased trade between the two countries. Both Presidents acknowledge that certain progress has been made on the matter of identifying possibilities of joint oil exploration in the seas between Malta and Tunisia and hope that both sides will continue working in this direction.  

Another topic of concern was the problem of illegal immigration. Tunisia is a country of transit for people who attempt to migrate from the harsh economic or political conditions in certain sub-Saharan African countries, thus passing through Tunisia before embarking on their journey across the Mediterranean Sea.  The Presidents were of the common opinion that the problem of illegal immigration needs to be dealt with at its roots and thus in the countries of origin of these illegal immigrants. 

Earlier in the morning The President placed a wreath at the Monument of the Martyrs. The Minister of Defense Mr. Kamel Morjaen attended the ceremony. Later The President met the Mayor of Tunis Mr. Abbes Mohsen at the City Hall and delivered a speech. (speech sent earlier). At the City Hall, The President was also introduced to the Councillors and was presented with the Key of Tunis.

In his speech at the city hall, the Mayor of Tunis referred to the prominent role played by the Maltese Community in the economic activity and commercial exchanges between Tunisia and Malta. The Maltese community stood out from other foreign communities as it occupied all strata of society allowing it to integrate in Tunisian society thereby enriching its daily life and culture.

The President also met the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Mr. Fouad Mebazaa.

In a separate programme Mrs. Fenech Adami visited the UTIAM in Marsa, a school for children with mental disabilities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Michael Frendo met with the Minister of Tourism, Tijani Haddad.

This evening The President and Mrs. Fenech Adami will be attending a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Malta in honour of the President and Mrs. Fenech Adami. 

The President and Mrs. Fenech Adami will be returning to Malta on Wednesday evening.