Doha: Relations between Qatar and Tunisia are excellent and deepening, according to Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh who arrived in Doha and is set to participate in the 13th Doha Forum, which kicks off tomorrow.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) yesterday, Laarayedh said Qatar was one of the leading brotherly and friendly countries to support the Tunisian revolution, noting that the Tunisian people and authorities recognise favours from all supporting sides.
He added that bilateral relations saw a huge leap after the revolution and cooperation was steadily growing in different areas, pointing to Doha’s financial support and investments in Tunisia.
Asked about attempts by some Tunisian sides to disturb Qatar-Tunisian relations, Laarayedh rejected what he said behaviours by people who do not care about Tunisia's interests.
Laarayedh added that bilateral cooperation includes political consultation on regional and international issues such as the Syrian crisis, the war in Mali and the Palestinian issue.
He stressed his country’s rejection of the Israeli aggression against Syria, underlining support for Syrians in determining their rulers in a free and democratic way, and backing for any solution that preserves Syrian blood and land.
On Mali, he said Tunisia was in favour of accelerating operations to end the war soon and guarantee the sovereignty of the country and instil a system that satisfied citizens.
Laarayedh reiterated Tunisia’s support for the Palestinian struggle against the “mutual enemy,” and Palestinian sovereignty and all initiatives that helps in achieving this end.
He said he was hopeful elections will be held as scheduled before the end of the year, but added that the process would be determined by the Constituent Assembly and the government as well as national consensus among political parties and social dialogue.
As for religious extremism, the Tunisian official distinguished between peaceful extremists, who he said could be handled through guidance and dialogue, and terrorists.
He said that those who had resorted to violence would be prosecuted and put to trial, noting that the state was determined to tackle anyone that broke the law or threatened society and public order. QNA
