Magharebia

Tunisian officials say a Maghreb Union could boost the entire region’s economy, lifting countries out of recession.

By Houda Trabelsi for Magharebia in Tunis – 29/03/12

[Houda Trabelsi] Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem is calling on Algeria and Morocco to “leave the dispute over the Western Sahara aside and tend to the economic interest of the region”.

Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem reaffirmed his country’s support for a Maghreb Union, stressing the importance of regional security and economic ties in a time of great change.

“The Tunisian government is keen on having a relationship of co-operation and partnership with neighbouring countries, reflecting national interests and regional interests,” the minister said at a Tunis press conference on March 23rd.

Relations with neighbouring countries, especially southern neighbour Libya, are key for Tunisia, he stressed. “Any negative or positive development on the security level for Libya has repercussions for Tunisia,” Abdessalem said.

“Libya is a vital economic partner for Tunisia,” the minister added. “Therefore, we cannot talk about economic development without talking about the stability of the region in security.”

Abdessalem pointed to a March 16th meeting with his Libyan and Egyptian counterparts on security as evidence of collaboration.

“The three countries are in a transition phase after the revolutions of their people succeeded in toppling dictatorial regimes,” he said, adding: “any threat to any one of the three countries would negatively affect the remaining countries of the Arab spring”.

The minister also noted the importance of relations with Algeria and other Maghreb countries, saying that Tunisia would play host to a Maghreb summit later this year to discuss creating a common market.

Abdessalem called on Morocco and Algeria to heed “the voice of reason, leave the dispute over the Western Sahara aside and tend to the economic interest of the region, which will not succeed without activating the Maghreb Union”.

Interim President Moncef Marzouki has made similar comments. During his recent visit to Algeria, he said that specialised committees would prepare a study ahead of the regional conference.

In mid-February, Marzouki expressed his hope for the “summit to be extraordinary and a historic turning point restoring the region’s radiance and lifting it out of recession”.

Related Articles

Maghreb business leaders call for economic integration
2010-05-12

Migration, counter-terrorism top ‘5+5’ ministerial summit
2010-04-20

Optimism renewed for Maghreb union
2012-02-20

Calls grow for Maghreb economic integration
2010-02-24

Marzouki tours Maghreb
2012-02-13

Tunisians interviewed by Magharebia largely supported the regional collaborative efforts.

“Holding the Maghreb summit in Tunisia this year is a good thing,” commented Mourad Khnis, 43. “This summit could be the actual launch of an effective and efficient Maghreb Union, as Tunisia was the starting point for the Arab revolutions.”

“Tunisia’s focus on co-operation with neighbours is positive and necessary,” said Moez Bechikh, 31. He added that “activation of a unified Maghreb Union and creation of a common Maghreb market are a solution for the region’s problems of poverty, marginalisation, unemployment, and others.”

Bechikh added, “Maghreb countries must also co-operate on the level of security because the Arab revolutions highlighted Salafi jihadist groups threatening the region.”

.