Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti held a meeting with his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, on September 26, 2026, in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly and provided an opportunity for the two ministers to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Tunisia and Mauritania. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as technology, communication, and transportation.
During the meeting with the Mauritanian foreign minister, Nafti and Merzoug emphasized the importance of addressing pending issues in bilateral cooperation and finding solutions to strengthen ties between the two countries. They also reviewed upcoming bilateral events and the need for closer consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two ministers highlighted the importance of building on existing brotherly relations and cooperation between Tunisia and Mauritania.
On the same day, Nafti also met with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jراح Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in New York. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two ministers to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Tunisia and Kuwait. They emphasized the depth and strength of brotherly relations and cooperation between the two countries and expressed their mutual desire to further enhance and develop these relations.
During the meeting with the Kuwaiti foreign minister, Nafti and Al-Sabah discussed the importance of reviewing and updating the legal frameworks for cooperation between Tunisia and Kuwait. They also emphasized the need to prepare for upcoming bilateral events, including the Tunisian-Kuwaiti joint committee, and to intensify consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two ministers also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region.
Nafti also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on September 26, 2026, in New York. During the meeting, Nafti conveyed greetings from the Tunisian President and expressed Tunisia's appreciation for the UN Secretary-General's consistent and courageous positions in support of just causes, including the Palestinian issue. Guterres praised Tunisia's progress in the field of communication technology and artificial intelligence.
The Tunisian foreign minister reaffirmed Tunisia's unwavering support for the multilateral system and the central role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security, promoting international justice and legitimacy. He also recalled Tunisia's continuous contribution to UN peacekeeping operations since independence and expressed hope that the UN would continue to promote this approach. Guterres thanked Nafti and expressed appreciation for Tunisia's leadership in addressing various crises and challenges in the region.
Guterres described Tunisia as a "voice of wisdom in the Mediterranean" due to its wise leadership and prudent diplomacy, which have helped the country avoid crises in its immediate or regional neighborhood. He expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Tunisia and the UN and its specialized agencies and appreciated Tunisia's ongoing support for UN efforts, particularly those aimed at supporting stability in Libya.
Key points
- Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met with Mauritanian, Kuwaiti, and UN officials on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
