Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zafrani Zenzari delivered a speech at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, emphasizing that the establishment of peace and security is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving development in Africa. She stressed the importance of preventive diplomacy and supporting the African Union's mechanisms for early warning, mediation, and peaceful conflict resolution. Zenzari's statement was made in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, and other high-ranking officials.
During her speech, Zenzari expressed her gratitude to President Putin for hosting the summit and highlighted the historical ties between Tunisia and Russia, dating back to 1956. She noted that the two countries have a long-standing relationship, with Russia playing a significant role in Tunisia's development through various projects and scientific collaborations. The Prime Minister also praised the current level of Tunisian-Russian relations, affirming her country's commitment to further developing these ties based on mutual interest and respect.
Zenzari described the current international landscape as complex, with multiple crises, tensions, and armed conflicts. She emphasized that these challenges require comprehensive approaches and effective international solidarity. The Prime Minister highlighted Tunisia's vision for the African-Russian partnership, focusing on sustainable cooperation that addresses the continent's development and security priorities. She stressed the need for strengthened solidarity among African countries and enhanced consultation and coordination to tackle common challenges.
The Tunisian Prime Minister underscored the significance of addressing the root causes of tensions, including economic and social fragility, and promoting the role of national and regional institutions in conflict prevention. She expressed her belief in the importance of African-led solutions, based on dialogue, consensus, and respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zenzari also emphasized the need to prioritize food security, citing the impact of climate change, global market fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions on the continent.
Zenzari called for increased cooperation in the agricultural and food industries, investment in agricultural production, and improved water resource management. She also highlighted the importance of enhancing healthcare systems' capacity to prevent and respond to health crises, as well as promoting scientific research, medical training, and the production of medicines and medical equipment. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a collective response to health emergencies and the development of African capacities to address these challenges.
The Prime Minister also discussed the importance of energy cooperation, encouraging joint investments in energy infrastructure, technology exchange, and innovation. She emphasized the need for a fair and equitable transition to sustainable energy, taking into account the specificities and development priorities of African countries. Zenzari also stressed the importance of addressing climate change, which she described as a global challenge that requires support for African countries' adaptation efforts and access to financing and technology.
Zenzari concluded her speech by emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment, education, and employment opportunities in driving positive change in Africa. She welcomed the objectives outlined in the 2027-2029 African-Russian partnership plan, focusing on trade, economy, investment, health, energy, and education. The Prime Minister expressed Tunisia's readiness to contribute to the successful implementation of this plan, leveraging its expertise and human resources to achieve common goals and strengthen the African-Russian partnership.
Key points
- Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zafrani Zenzari calls for peace and security as essential conditions for development in Africa at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- Zenzari emphasizes the importance of preventive diplomacy, supporting African Union mechanisms, and addressing root causes of tensions.
- The Prime Minister highlights Tunisia's vision for a sustainable African-Russian partnership, focusing on cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and education.
