Tunisian foreign minister Rafik Abdessalem visits UK

The UK's Foreign Secretary William Hague met Rafik Abdessalem, the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in London on March 28. "I am pleased that, following successful elections in October, a new broad-based government has been established, and the constituent assembly is leading work to draft a new constitution based on democratic values and human rights. We do not underestimate the challenges ahead, nor the patience required, but the UK, with our international partners, will continue to support these efforts. Through an expanded Arab Partnership programme, we are supporting sustainable economic growth, political participation and freedom of expression. We are working with partners such as BBC Media Action to support reform of the state media; and Article 19 who are working with local civil society organisations to ensure that freedom of expression is respected and enshrined in law," said Hague after the meeting. "This visit has also helped to further strengthen the already good ties existing between our two countries. British companies are significant investors in the energy and tourism sectors. There is real potential for expansion. We are working with the Tunisian government to create openings in other areas where the UK is a global leader, such as renewable energy and financial services, and these initiatives in turn would create new job opportunities for the Tunisian people," said Hague. "Tunisia is playing a positive role within the region. We hope that the active diplomacy of President Marzouki will promote greater Maghreb integration and trade, and we welcome Tunisia's offer to host the Arab Maghreb Union summit in the autumn. Tunisia has also been steadfast in its support for human rights in Syria, and hosted the first meeting of the Friends of Syria on February 24. Bringing an end to the violence of the Assad regime will require concerted effort from countries of the region, and I welcome Tunisia's commitment to support this," said the foreign secretary. Minister Abdessalem added: "Mr Hague was indeed the first foreign dignitary to visit Tunisia immediately after the revolution and announced Britain's support for the democratic transformation of Tunisia. We discussed our bilateral cooperation and the various opportunities now offered to enhance political and economic ties between our two countries in a variety of fields and sectors. I assured Mr Hague of Tunisia's engagement to establish a democratic and open society and we look forward to a greater British businesses and interests presence in Tunisia". During his visit to the UK, Mr Abdessalem also met The Duke of York, Foreign Office Minister Lord Howell of Guildford and the Mayor of the City of London, David Whootton. Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of the ruling SCAF, issued amnesty to Nour on Wednesday. The activist was earlier charged for rigging elections in Mubarak's time.