Malta’s initiative to host the 5+5 meeting in Malta next year is gaining
popularity as Tunisia has expressed its support together with Libya and Italy.
This has been announced during visit by Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Tonio Borg in Tunisia last week. Deputy Prime
Minister was received by President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali’s and both sides
discussed matters related to the Mediterranean Region, Europe and the two
countries excellent bi-lateral relations.
During the 5+5 meeting, heads of Governments meet to discuss the future
of the Mediterranean zone. The 5+5 is made up of Portugal, Spain, France,
Italy, Malta, Mauritania, Algiers, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya. The 5+5 meetings
offer a means of informal political dialogue between countries on both sides of
the Mediterranean, although 2 of the countries involved – Portugal and
Mauritania – have no Mediterranean coast.
During talks on the Euro- Mediterranean co-operation, as part of the
"5+5 Dialogue" and the Union for the Mediterranean as well, it was
announced that Tunisia is supporting Malta to host the summit of Heads of State
of the 5+5 next year.
The meeting also provided the opportunity to look at relations between
Tunisia and the European Union.
Dr Tonio Borg also spoke of the Maltese Prime Minister's expected visit
to Tunisia and preparations for it so that this visit takes place as soon as
possible.
The meeting was attended by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Malta's
ambassador in Tunis.