German and French Foreign Ministers, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Laurent Fabius, reasserted the “confidence” in the success of Tunisia which started an exemplary transition and stressed that the readiness of the European Union to support the North African country’s transformation process. Both European leaders asserted in a joint statement after their meeting with caretaker President, Moncef Marzouki, that “this political trust, we want to show it also on the economic and social level.” Interestingly, this was the first time that the French and German Foreign Ministers traveled together abroad outside Europe. To that end, French Foreign Minister asserted that “We represent the European Union. We have purposely chosen Tunisia because two words sum up our feelings towards this country: confidence and mobilization. Confidence, because you have pledged an exemplary transition and went peacefully through transition stages including the adoption of a Constitution.”
The European leaders also emphasized their high level of trust in the Tunisians on the economic level, which is a very important point, because this democratic transition must be accompanied by a stabilized and improved economic situation. German Foreign Minister, on his part, underlined that Tunisia played a key – initiating and inspiring – role in the series of revolutions that shook the Arab world since 2011. However, he also pointed out that in the North African countries, all the dreams did come true and all the people were not able to make the most of the fruits of democracy. Hailing the country as a key example in this field, both Foreign Ministers commended the efforts of the political officials in favor of a democratic development, a reform of the administration, justice and fight against corruption. It is these factors that provide for a solid base that must be in place before the European investors would commit themselves to long-term investments in Tunisia.
