Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan wrapped up a two-day visit to Tunisia on Thursday (June 13th) that focused on strengthening economic and security co-operation.
"The meeting addressed security challenges and responsibilities of the interior ministries of the two countries on the prosecution of crime and in tackling violence and counter-terrorism," Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Larayedh said.
During a press conference held with his Libyan counterpart on Wednesday at the Government Palace in Tunis, Larayedh mentioned the need to confront smuggling. He also touched on the use of expertise available to the two sides, especially in the field of security training.
He emphasised co-operation within the framework of developing internal regions and border areas, once they are secure.
"Tunisia and Libya are sisters and neighbours trying to implement a democratic transition that includes development at the security, economic, social as well as administrative levels," the Tunisian premier said.
Larayedh also announced the signing of three agreements in the energy field between Tunisia and Libya as well as agreements to boost co-operation in the vocational training sector, in addition to free trade between the two countries. The draft of a convention aimed at encouraging Libyan investment projects in Tunisia was also formulated.
For his part, Prime Minister Zidan said that the new Libya aims to bolster mutual relations with brotherly countries, particularly Tunisia.
He praised "the position of Tunisia during the Libyan revolution and its welcome into its territory of displaced Libyans". He also stressed his government's determination to settle the situation of the Libyan community living in Tunisia as soon as possible.
"The visit to Tunisia aims to establish a more effective working relationship," Zidan noted. "This will lay the foundation for viable co-operation with a solid base and fair contracts that guarantee the rights of all parties, and a clean break with prior methods for signing conventions that used to mask opaque political decisions."
The Libyan prime minister added that the talks "also dealt with issues of common interest such as the activation of the Arab Maghreb Union, and the actuality and developments in the Arab and African countries as well as international relations."
In the same vein, he stressed the establishment of a free trade zone, which is in the preparation stage and is awaiting the completion of provisions for security and logistical supplies.
"Tunisia has privilege and priority with its workforce whether manual or in terms of expertise in various fields as well as with its companies that are operating in many sectors in the rebuilding of Libya. The doors for co-operation are wide open for all Tunisians," the Libyan head of government said.
He pointed out that "security co-operation between the two countries especially on the border is being reinforced by the day especially through continuous co-ordination between ministerial departments".
Meanwhile in Tripoli on Tuesday, Libya and Tunisia signed an agreement in the oil and natural gas field to coincide with the visit.
The agreement stipulates that "Libya will supply Tunisia with 450,000 barrels of crude oil per month starting from August until the end of this year, in addition to providing Tunisia with 650,000 barrels of crude oil per month during 2014."
© Magharebia.com 2013
