Tunisia ready to expand cooperation with Iran

Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem said on Tuesday that while his country is seeking to develop cooperation with the Islamic and Arab states, it is ready to expand collaboration with Iran in all fields. Talking to IRNA, he added, “The first government was elected in Tunisia and we are prepared to develop cooperation with all countries, especially Islamic states including Iran.” Describing Tehran-Tunis ties as excellent, he further stated that his country has good political, economic and social ties with all countries and it is seeking to promote them. Tunisian market is open to all the Islamic countries and Iran can seize the opportunity, he said. Stating that Tunisia's various economic sections have suitable capacities for foreign investment, Abdessalem noted that the Tunisian government will support Iranian investors. Since security has been established after the new government came to office, there is no problem for economic cooperation with other countries, he said. Abdessalem, who is accompanying President Moncef Marzuki on his Libyan tour, said in response to a question on Tunis-Tripoli ties that Libya’s security is that of Tunisia. He called for promotion of economic ties with Libya, noting that Tunisia has signed an economic agreement with the country. Marzuki arrived in Tripoli on a two-day visit to hold talks with Libyan officials on bilateral ties and cooperation in various sectors such as economy and security.