Russia and Tunisia agreed to step up their counter-terrorism cooperation, said Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov. An impetus will likewise be given to this cooperation under the umbrella of the United Nations, he added.
Holding a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui, Lavrov said the talk he had with his Tunisian counterpart offered the opportunity to address several issues, including the situation in Libya “where terrorist threats persist.”
Lavrov also said he hopes Tunisia would “emphasise the need for reinstating Syria’s Arab League membership,” especially as it hosting the 30th Arab Summit by late March.
The issue was raised with Algerian and Morrocan officials before landing in Tunis, the chief diplomat said.
In this respect, he hailed Tunisia’s stance in Astana Syria peace talks which, he said, strengthened Russia’s position.
“Tunisian friends hope for a swift return to Syria of refugees to whom a particular attention was lent,” Lavrov said.
For his part, Jhinaoui said the decision in connection to Syria rejoining the Arab League is “by no means Tunisian but rather a common Arab decision. ”
Arab FMs will convene and decide on how to proceed as well as on the date and the status of Syria, he said in this vein.
“Tunisia is keen to see Syria get out of the crisis, guarantee its stability and national unity and safeguard the State,” the FM highlighted. Tunisia had opened its embassy in Damascus to protect the interests of Tunisian nationals in Syria.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
