Today, very close relations link Germany and Tunisia, stated Chancellor Angela Merkel at the joint press conference. "The transformation partnership provides the direction for our cooperation," she added. In this context, Angela Merkel pointed in particular to the development sector, to support for the Tunisian economy and political structures, and to the security situation.

Within the framework of the transformation partnership, more than 150 projects have been promoted in Tunisia since 2012, with a total funding volume of around 70 million euros. These measures focus on promoting the rule of law and good governance, employment and the dual vocational training system, and civil society and the professional media. The measures are to be continued in the years to come.

Fighting terrorism

"We know that Tunisia has had to come to terms with terrible terrorist attacks," Angela Merkel continued. They have had consequences for the country’s tourist industry this year. Cooperation also involves securing the country’s border with Libya, which is why bilateral cooperation embraces assistance in the fields of training and equipment.

Federal Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière has visited Tunisia twice, once in March and once in June 2015, in the wake of the terrorist attacks at the Bardo Museum and the beach resort in Sousse. During his visits the two countries agreed to step up cooperation on security. Tunisia was also a special guest at the G7 summit in Schloss Elmau on 7 and 8 June 2015. President Essebsi took this opportunity to call for more support in the security and business sectors.

Reviving the economy

It is very important to revive the Tunisian economy, said the Chancellor. A German-Tunisian investor conference is to be held in the first half of 2016. It will look to foster growth and create jobs for young people in particular. The Chancellor also pointed to plans to establish a German-Tunisian university, that are now to be translated into practice.

According to the figures of the German-Tunisian Chamber of Commerce and Industry about 250 German companies, most of which export, are active in Tunisia. Together they provide jobs for a total of 55,000 Tunisians and have so far invested over 350 million euros. The main German exports to Tunisia are textiles (primary products), electronic goods, machinery, motor vehicles, chemical products and food industry products as well as iron and iron goods.

The situation in Libya

With a view to Libya, Angela Merkel stressed that efforts are being made to cooperate closely with the neighbouring country. The aim is to move closer once again to a government of national unity and genuine statehood. The Chancellor said, whoever helps Libya also helps Tunisia.