Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on September 27, 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Tunisia's participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting, Nafti conveyed greetings from the President of Tunisia and expressed appreciation for Guterres' consistent and courageous stance on just causes, particularly the Palestinian issue.
Nafti also acknowledged Guterres' praise for Tunisia's progress in communication technologies and artificial intelligence, as mentioned in his opening speech at the current session of the General Assembly. The Tunisian minister reaffirmed his country's principled and ongoing support for the multilateral system and the UN's pivotal role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting international justice and legitimacy.
The minister recalled Tunisia's continuous contribution to UN peacekeeping operations since independence and expressed hope that Guterres would continue to consolidate this approach. He emphasized the importance of ensuring all parties adhere to international commitments to enhance security, stability, and comprehensive development, protecting future generations from the devastating effects of wars and conflicts.
Guterres, in turn, asked Nafti to convey his appreciation and respect to the President of Tunisia, praising the country's wise leadership in addressing various crises and challenges in the region. He described Tunisia as a "voice of wisdom in the Mediterranean" due to its democratic governance and prudent diplomacy, which have spared the country and its neighborhood from turmoil.
The UN Secretary-General expressed satisfaction with the excellent level of cooperation between Tunisia and the UN, as well as its specialized agencies. He reiterated his appreciation for Tunisia's ongoing support for UN efforts, particularly those aimed at stabilizing Libya. Guterres also emphasized the UN's readiness to continue working closely with Tunisia and responding positively to any challenges the country may face.
The meeting between Nafti and Guterres reflects the strong bilateral relations between Tunisia and the UN. Tunisia has consistently supported the UN's role in promoting peace, security, and development worldwide. The country's participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly underscores its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.
The discussions between Nafti and Guterres also highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges, such as conflicts, terrorism, and climate change. The two officials likely discussed ways to strengthen UN-Tunisia cooperation in addressing these issues and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- Tunisia reaffirms its support for the UN's role in maintaining international peace and security.
- The UN Secretary-General praises Tunisia's leadership in addressing regional crises.
- Tunisia and the UN strengthen cooperation on peacekeeping and development initiatives.
