Japan-Tunisia Relations
Japan-Tunisia Foreign Ministers' Meeting
December 26, 2018
On December 26th, commencing at 11:00 AM (local time, 7:00 PM Japan time) for approximately 90 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia during his visit to Tunisia. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Following the meeting, a working luncheon hosted by Minister Jhinaoui was held.
- In the beginning, H.E. Mr.Jhinaoui welcomed Minister Kono's visit to Tunisia, expressed his appreciation to the cooperation Japan has extended for the development of Tunisia to date, and said he wished to further develop the partnership with Japan, which has been a traditionally friendly country for Tunisia.
- In response, Minister Kono stated that his visit to Tunisia is the first visit for a Foreign Minister of Japan in many years and it is for the first time for him to visit Tunisia personally in 13 years, for which he felt very impressed. He commended the efforts of Tunisia toward reform and development, and conveyed his intention to continue to contribute to the stabilization of Tunisia.
- Minister Kono stated that, taking the opportunity of his visit, he wished to elevate the good bilateral relationship to a new level. The two Ministers affirmed the achievements of bilateral cooperation, and in order to retain the momentum, shared the view for engaging in multi-layered policy dialogues (such as the holding of the 10th Japan-Tunisia Joint Committee early next year), promoting cooperation in anti-terrorism and the security area (such as the holding of the 3rd Anti-terrorism and security dialogue at an appropriate time next year), and to foster further close relations in the economic area. The two Ministers also shared the view to start negotiations for an investment agreement and a taxation agreement at an early time, in order to support the further entry of Japanese businesses into Tunisia.
- The two Ministers also confirmed to cooperate in the international arena, including working together for the successful holding of TICAD 7. The two also exchanged views on the situations in East Asia and the Middle East region.
