Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi yesterday hailed his “successful and fruitful” visit to Qatar towards saying it aimed at further advancing bilateral relations.
In a meeting with representatives of the local media, Essebsi praised the level of the Qatari-Tunisian relations, stressing the deep-rooted and historic ties as well as the distinct co-operation between the two countries.
Qatar is the largest Arab investor in Tunisia and the second after France, he said, expressing hope that this visit would contribute to enhancing relations to achieve broader horizons.
“We believe that Qatar, thanks to its great achievements and the wise leadership will be among the developed countries,” he said, hailing the great development witnessed by Qatar in the economic and urban sectors.
President Essebsi expressed satisfaction over the particular care and attention given to the Tunisian community in Qatar, pointing out that the number of Tunisian residents in Qatar has quintupled during the four years to reach about 20,000.
“I am pleased that the Qatari government has expressed satisfaction with the role being played by the Tunisian community in Qatar,” he added.
 He praised Qatar’s firm support for all Tunisians, saying that Qatar’s position in support of Tunisia is ‘firm’. “The State of Qatar stands alongside Tunisia, all of Tunisia,” he said, dismissing as “groundless” any other claims.
“We do not compromise others in our sovereign convictions and all our countries respect Tunisia, ...the sovereign decision remains Tunisian whatever the cost,” he added.
President Essebsi also stressed the excellent relations between his country and the Arab and European countries thanks to its geographical position.
Tunisia is keen to invest its Arab-Arab and Islamic-Arab roots while taking advantage of its close position to Europe in building excellent relations with both sides.
On Tunisia’s democratic experience, Essebsi said his country is going through a difficult period and experiencing a democratictransition while stressing its strong determination to continue on this path.
“I believe we are moving in the right direction but all conditions for success are not yet completed,” he added, stressing the importance of achieving security, eradicating terrorism and activating the national economy.


Essebsi visits 
Tunisian school


Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi yesterday visited the Tunisian school in Doha. 
The Tunisian president met the administrative and educational cadre as well as pupils. He listened to their demands and offered a collection of books and stories to the school library.