Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti and his Belgian counterpart, Maxime Peeters, met on Tuesday in New York to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to a statement from the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, the two ministers emphasized the importance of reviving the Learning Mobility Scheme, which provides opportunities for young Tunisians to gain professional experience in Belgian institutions.
The Learning Mobility Scheme allows Tunisian graduates to acquire professional experience and develop their skills through internships at Belgian institutions, enhancing their chances of integration into the job market. Minister Nafti and his Belgian counterpart also reviewed the current state of relations between the two countries, noting the positive dynamic in their bilateral ties, particularly in light of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Belgium.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the frequent contacts, meetings, and political consultations between the two countries, as well as the organization of several economic events in both Tunisia and Belgium. They also discussed cooperation in various fields, including development projects in the fishing and sustainable tourism sectors. Minister Nafti expressed his appreciation for Belgian support for Tunisian development projects, particularly in the areas of coastal fishing and biological and sustainable agricultural tourism.
The meeting also touched on the issue of migration and mobility, with the Tunisian side emphasizing the importance of implementing the memorandum of understanding signed in 2018, particularly with regard to circular migration and development. The two ministers also stressed the need for continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest, as well as enhancing cooperation within the framework of Tunisia's relations with the European Union.
Minister Nafti is leading the Tunisian delegation to the high-level segment of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which is taking place in New York from September 22 to 29. The session is being held under the theme "Restoring Trust and Managing Transition: A United Nations that Delivers Results for All." During his stay, Minister Nafti will deliver Tunisia's statement during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
In addition to his participation in the UN General Assembly, Minister Nafti will also chair the coordination meeting of Arab foreign ministers and participate in regional and group meetings. The two ministers' discussion on reviving the Learning Mobility Scheme is seen as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and providing opportunities for young Tunisians to gain valuable work experience in Belgian institutions.
The agreement to revive the Learning Mobility Scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young Tunisians, who will have the opportunity to acquire professional experience and develop their skills in various fields. This, in turn, is expected to enhance their chances of integration into the job market and contribute to Tunisia's economic development.
Key points
- Tunisia and Belgium have pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on reviving the Learning Mobility Scheme to provide young Tunisians with professional experience in Belgian institutions.
- The Learning Mobility Scheme allows Tunisian graduates to acquire professional experience and develop their skills through internships at Belgian institutions.
- The two countries also discussed cooperation in various fields, including development projects in the fishing and sustainable tourism sectors.
