The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday spoke with Othman Jerandi, Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Joly highlighted the value of diplomatic relations between the two countries and Canada's commitment, as a friend of Tunisia, to continuing to support the Tunisian people and to accompanying the country in its democratic transition.
Minister Joly noted the preliminary results of Tunisia's referendum on its new constitution, which, according to provisional figures, was approved by a large majority, although there was a low turnout. She expressed her concerns over the respect of democratic principles and also expressed the importance of holding legislative elections and reinstating an elected and representative government promptly. Consistent with the aspirations of the Tunisian people, Canada supports an inclusive and transparent political process that preserves Tunisia's democratic gains and serves all its people.
The ministers also discussed their wish for a successful Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, in November 2022. Minister Joly reiterated Canada's deep commitment to the values of La Francophonie, including democracy and human rights. She stressed that the Summit must take place in a country that embodies, in word and in action, the principles of the Bamako Declaration and offered Canada's support for Tunisia's successful democratic transition.
Minister Joly welcomed Tunisia's decision to vote in favour of the resolutions at the United Nations on Russia's unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The two ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining global solidarity with Ukraine, of restoring peace, and of mitigating the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the global economy and global food security.
