GCC states are strategic depth for Tunisia

Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi has said that his government seeks to promote cooperation with GCC members in all domains to the level of strategic partnership. Speaking to reporters, Jerandi said the Tunisian-Kuwaiti joint committee on cooperation will meet in late June, voicing desire to elevate the representation at the level of prime minister. Kuwaiti News Agency, KUNA quoted Jerandi as saying: "The GCC states are a strategic depth for Tunisia and the other Arab countries at large. Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laareydh plans to visit a number of GCC states soon. Tunisia maintains close historical ties with the GCC states and holds identical views with them on many regional and international issues." Since the very beginning of the Syrian crisis more than two years ago, both sides have maintained a principled stance in support of the Syrian people's right to freedom and democracy, he noted. Jerandi recalled that his government severed ties with the Syrian regime early last year in a bid to press the regime into stopping the repressive policy against the people. "We aspire that the Syrian people will enjoy democracy, freedom and dignity no less than that enjoyed by the Tunisia, Egyptian and Libyan peoples," he affirmed. Moreover, in respect of the destiny of the Tunisians trapped in Syria after severing the diplomatic ties, Jerandi said his government addresses this dossier from a humanitarian and legal perspective. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is negotiating with the Syrian regime for the release of the Tunisian nationals. He refuted recent allegations that Tunisia will hand over its embassy in Damascus to the Syrian opposition forces, citing relevant international laws.