Remarks by President Donald Tusk during his visit to Tunisia - Hoofdinhoud

First of all, let me thank you for your warm welcome today. Shukran. I am very pleased to be here, as a sign of the strong solidarity between Europe and Tunisia.

Let me also share my deepest condolences with the Tunisian people after the terrorist attack on the Bardo Museum. I was heartened by the strong show of unity during the march on Sunday.

I came here to discuss how Tunisia and the European Union can reinforce our partnership to help stabilise your country, as well as the broader Mediterranean region. To discuss how we can, together, help to address some of the root causes of instability. But, also, how we can, together, help tackle some of the most critical consequences of this regional instability, like the rise of terrorism and irregular migration.

Since 2011, Tunisia has advanced along the path of democracy, with a new Constitution and successful elections. I commend the Tunisian people in your commitment to democracy, and reassure you that the European Union will be next to you, every step of the way. Politically, economically and in helping to further strengthen your remarkable transition. The EU and Tunisian authorities are discussing how we can further our cooperation, in concrete terms, to ensure the safety and security of all our peoples.

A bit later today, I look forward to visiting the Bardo Museum, to lay a wreath to honour the victims. Your museum is one of the great museums of the world. It testifies to the long, proud history of this country. It is home to the great Mediterranean civilisations: Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Islamic. The terrorists insulted a glorious past and now want to destroy a promising future. Tunis is with Paris and Copenhagen in our hearts. We will defeat this threat together. And, for many years to come, people from all over the world will be queuing to see the wonders of the Bardo. Thank you. Shukran.