Tunisia Foreign Policy
Peacemaking:
Tunisia has consistently pursued a balanced policy of openness and moderation in its international relations. It has always endeavored to promote a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, which ensures a just and lasting peace in the region. Within this framework, Tunisia took part in the Madrid Conference and has fully supported the Middle East Peace Process by actively participating in its multilateral track and contributing to the realization to the Palestinian-Israeli agreements. It has advocated peaceful settlement of conflicts around the world, especially in Africa.
Peacekeeping:Tunisia has participated in various humanitarian relief and peacekeeping operations around the world since the 1960's. More recently it has dispatched hundreds of peacekeepers to Cambodia, Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi.
The Mediterranean:Tunisia places particular importance on economic integration and cooperation with the countries of the Maghreb and between the two flanks of the Mediterranean. President Ben Ali has advocated a relationship of co-development and interdependence between the European Community and the southern flank of the Mediterranean. On July 17, 1995, Tunisia was the first country South of the Mediterranean to sign an agreement of association with the European Union. On July 19, 1995, eleven countries took part in a regional meeting held in the Tunisian city of Tabarka with the aim of laying the ground for the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Barcelona (November 1995.) The ancient Tunisian city of Carthage hosted on April 21-22, 1995, a Symposium on the Teaching of Tolerance in the Mediterranean. Participants adopted a major document, known as the "Carthage Charter on Tolerance in the Mediterranean."
Tunisia advocates international relations based on cooperation and mutual help. In 1999, President Ben Ali called for the creation of a World Solidarity Fund.
Relations with the US:Relations between Tunisia and the United States date back to the eighteenth century when Tunisia signed a treaty of friendship with the young American republic. Strong ties of cooperation were developed between both countries since Tunisia's independence in 1956. The two nations maintain today close relations of friendship and cooperation. President Ben Ali last visited the United States in February 2004.
See History of Tunisian American Relations.
International Organizations:
Tunisia is a member of various international and regional organizations including the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Arab Maghreb Union, the Organization of African Unity and the Islamic Conference Organization. In all such fora, Tunisia has advocated peaceful settlement of conflicts, tolerance and dialogue.