Tunisian president calls for strong cooperation between Europe and the Arab Maghreb

Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali called on Wednesday evening in Lisbon for strengthening cooperation between Europe and the Arab Maghreb. This was expressed in conclusion of President Bin Ali's visit which lasted for 24 hours to Portugal, which presides over the current presidency of the European Union.

AFP quoted Bin Ali as saying " we have to deepen cooperation and rapprochement between the Arab Maghreb and Europe in light of regional and international developments and on the ground of economic growth and progress between the two banks of the Mediterranean, SANA repoted.

Before he left Lisbon on Wednesday evening back for his country, the Tunisian president held a new round of talks with his Portuguese counterpart George Sambayo.

On Wednesday, the Tunisian President visited the headquarters of the Portuguese parliament.

A source close to the Portuguese presidency said that the issue of human rights has constituted a frank dialogue during the first round of talks between the Tunisian and Portuguese presidents.