Speaker of the Assembly of the People’s Representatives (ARP) Brahim Bouderbala held talks on Friday at the Bardo Palace with Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tunis, Pilar Morales.
Bouderbala explained to his guest the Tunisian approach based on combating transnational organised crime such as human trafficking and irregular migration, which Tunisia, like many countries, suffers from.
Quoted in a parliamentary statement, Bouderbala emphasised the importance of multiplying joint efforts to address the root causes of this form of crime.
The Speaker also stressed the importance Tunisia places on its relations with European countries. He highlighted the willingness to work together to strengthen Tunisian-European cooperation in order to preserve the security and stability of the Mediterranean region.
For her part, the European official reiterated the importance of continuing to support Tunisia in its reform process and strengthening of democracy.
She welcomed Tunisia’s accession to various international conventions and treaties aimed at enhancing the protection of human rights, particularly those related to the prevention of torture, the promotion of freedom of expression, the protection of personal data, as well as the fight against all forms of corruption, violence against women, human trafficking, and the defence of children’s rights.
Morales highlighted the role of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in fostering and supporting cooperation in various fields, emphasising the importance of Tunisia’s participation in this structure.
According to the Council of Europe Office in Tunisia, «the discussions focused on the fruitful long-term cooperation between the Council of Europe and Tunisia and the various standards and tools available to support the country’s high institutional and legislative level.”
The Council of Europe is an international organisation that promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law since its establishment in 1949. It comprises 46 member states, including all member states of the European Union.
The Tunis Office operates within the framework of the Neighbourhood Partnership with Tunisia 2022-2025.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse