Tunisia’s President Kais Saied has called for a more balanced relationship between Tunisia and the European Union as he held talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Tunis.
Saied received Wadephul on Monday for discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Tunisia and Germany, as well as developments across the wider region.
The Tunisian president urged the European Union to reassess its partnership with Tunisia, saying future relations should be based on greater balance and fairness.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Wadephul said the discussions covered both bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
“We are living in a time of global upheaval, profound change and crises. The security and economic situation is strained across the world,” the German foreign minister said.
He stressed the importance of international cooperation amid growing global challenges, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Tunisia.
“It is precisely for this reason that international cooperation is now more important than ever,” Wadephul said.
“In this regard, I would like to reiterate that Germany and the European Union are, and will remain, reliable friends and partners of Tunisia.”
During the visit, Tunisia and Germany signed financing agreements worth nearly €100 million and agreed to expand cooperation across several sectors.
Wadephul identified development cooperation as a key area of the partnership, particularly in energy transition, water management and digitalisation.
“Another pillar of our exchanges is development cooperation, particularly in the areas of the energy transition, water management and digitalisation,” he said.
The German minister expressed confidence that the new agreements and continued dialogue would deepen ties between the two countries.
“I am convinced that our dialogue and our cooperation will further strengthen cooperation and relations between our countries and our societies,” he said.
The talks come as Tunisia seeks to strengthen its economic partnerships with European countries while pressing for what Saied considers a more equitable relationship with the EU.
