On October 5, 2026, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, received Dacian Cioloș, advisor to the Romanian President and Romania's candidate for the position of Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Tunisia and Romania, as well as discussing challenges related to the Francophonie. This encounter occurs just weeks before the election of the next OIF Secretary General, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 15-16.
During the meeting, Mohamed Ali Nafti emphasized the strong friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and Romania, particularly in academic and university fields. He stressed the need to strengthen economic cooperation and develop bilateral trade exchanges through increased visits, missions, and economic forums. Nafti also reiterated Tunisia's commitment to the OIF, of which it is a founding member, and its adherence to the principles that guided its creation, including cooperation and dialogue based on mutual respect, cultural diversity, equality, and the empowerment of young people and women.
Mohamed Ali Nafti highlighted Tunisia's desire for the OIF to continue playing its role as a consultation space and to strengthen its contribution to cultural, economic, and development cooperation, while respecting the specificities of member states. He recalled Tunisia's contribution to Francophone action, particularly through the organization of the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba in November 2022, which focused on digital transformation as a lever for development in the Francophone space.
Dacian Cioloș praised the historical relations between Tunisia and Romania and expressed his country's desire to further develop bilateral cooperation. He mentioned the strengthening of partnerships between universities and economic institutions in both countries, as well as the continuation of programs carried out within the framework of the OIF. Cioloș also discussed his candidacy for the position of OIF Secretary General, emphasizing his experience in politics acquired in Romania and within European institutions.
Cioloș stated that he aims to utilize his experience to contribute to the strengthening of the OIF's role and its relations with member states, particularly African ones. He also highlighted the development of economic and development-related initiatives, underscoring that his vision of Francophonie is based on the diversity and complementarity of cultures and peoples that compose it.
The meeting between Mohamed Ali Nafti and Dacian Cioloș reflects the importance of cooperation between Tunisia and Romania, as well as their shared commitment to the OIF. The two parties demonstrated their willingness to enhance bilateral relations and to work together within the Francophone space to address common challenges and promote cooperation.
The election of the next OIF Secretary General is expected to take place on November 15-16 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and will be a crucial moment for the organization's future. Tunisia, as a founding member of the OIF, plays a significant role in shaping the organization's agenda and direction.
Key points
- Tunisia's Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti received Romanian candidate Dacian Cioloș to discuss bilateral relations and Francophonie challenges.
- The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between Tunisia and Romania, particularly in economic and academic fields.
- The OIF Secretary General election is scheduled to take place on November 15-16 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
