Interim Tunisian PM to visit UAE next week

Tunisia's interim Prime Minister Mahdi Juma has lauded distinguished ties between the UAE and Tunisia, saying they were based on mutual respect and interests as well as bilateral consultations.Mahdi made his statement ahead of his six-nation Gulf tour whose first leg will see him land in Abu Dhabi on 16 March and then travel to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.He said ties between the UAE and Tunisia were bracing for a new chapter of vibrancy thanks to the huge enthusiasm and sincere desire shown by UAE leadership to take ties to new heights.Tunis, he added, is keen to conduct regular, consistent consultation with Emirati officials and that he is looking forward to hold talks with UAE leaders on ways of bolstering bilateral ties in all fields in a manner that empowers it to respond to priorities and challenges Tunisia is facing at present.He added that UAE officials share firm commitment to elevate joint partnership to highest levels.Tunisian government, he continued, would work with the UAE on removing technical barriers and facilitating measures on launching key investment projects of priority to the two countries.