Tunisian president, EBRD chief discuss enhancing cooperation

Tunisian President Kais Saied (R) shakes hands with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso during their meeting in Tunis, Tunisia, on Feb. 19, 2024. Saied on Monday met with visiting President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso to discuss developing cooperation and partnership between Tunisia and the EBRD, said a statement released by the presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

TUNIS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday met with visiting President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso to discuss developing cooperation and partnership between Tunisia and the EBRD, said a statement released by the presidency.

Saied stressed the importance of further strengthening the mechanisms of consultation and dialogue between Tunisia and the EBRD to finance promising projects in Tunisia in the sectors of renewable and clean energies, water desalination, health, infrastructure and new technologies.

Saied also expressed the state's keenness to provide legislative guarantees and a suitable environment for foreign investments.

In a statement released by the EBRD on Feb.16, Renaud-Basso expressed her institution's strong commitment to Tunisia.

"We stand ready to back the authorities in their reform efforts to deliver growth and employment opportunities, especially for young people and vulnerable groups, and to support Tunisia's green economy transition," said the statement.

Since it began operations in Tunisia in 2012, the EBRD has invested over 2.1 billion euros in 69 projects and provided support to more than 1,200 SMEs through European Union-funded technical assistance, according to the statement. ■

Tunisian President Kais Saied (1st R) meets with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso (2nd R) in Tunis, Tunisia, on Feb. 19, 2024. Saied on Monday met with visiting President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso to discuss developing cooperation and partnership between Tunisia and the EBRD, said a statement released by the presidency. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)