TUNIS
The head of Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly (NCA) commended Turkey’s role in supporting the country’s post-revolution democratic transition.
"Tunisia’s economy and development can not be achieved without help from friendly nations with Turkey being at the forefront,” Mustafa Ben Jaafar said during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday, according to an NCA statement.
Earlir Tuesday, Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi confirmed that his country’s central Bank had received the second and last tranche of a $500 million loan pledged by Turkey last year to support the North African country’s transition.
“Turkey has stood by the Tunisian people from the beginning of the revolution until now,” Ben Jaafar said.
Ben Jaafar also assured the top Turkish diplomat that the elected legislature will speed up the process of ratifying the anticipated electoral law.
For his part, Davutoglu reiterated Turkey’s support for Tunisia “as it faces social and economic challenges,” according to the statement.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also praised the “consenual spirit of political actors and civil society members in Tunisia,” following the approval of the country’s new constitution which won international recognition.
Last week, Tunisia celebrated the endorsement of its new charter, approved on January 27 by members of the elected NCA.
By Arwa al-Gharbi
englishnews@aa.com.tr
