Egyptian-Tunisian Higher committee concludes meetings, ten agreements signed

The Egyptian-Tunisian Higher Committee concluded meetings in Tunis late Friday with Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid and his Tunisian counterpart Mohammed Al Ghannouchi signing the minutes of the meetings.

During the meeting, Ebeid underlined the need for promoting economic cooperation and eliminating all obstacles to that end.

He added that much work should be done in cooperation with business associations and businessmen.

"It was agreed to start immediately to set a realistic figure for the trade volume, facilitate movement of goods and the establishment of information centers," said Ebeid.

He underlined the need to make the best use of acquired expertise of Tunisia, which had launched a program for modernizing industry.

"Egypt and Tunisia are preparing for upgrading educational institutions for better schools in both countries," he added.

Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Ghannouchi said that the two sides have come up with tangible results on boosting trade exchange and issues of mutual interest.

"It was agreed to hold more meetings and consultations," said the Prime Minister.

He added that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali are keen on promoting cooperation in all domains.

Ghannouchi noted that cooperation is not exclusive to trade and projects.

He lauded the distinguished relations binding both countries. He voiced hope that these meetings would yield direct outcome.

Earlier in the day Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid and his Tunisian counterpart Mohammed attended the signing of ten agreements and an executive cooperation programme between Egypt and Tunisia.

This came at the conclusion of the joint Egyptian-Tunisian Higher Committee meetings.

The signed agreements are:

1- An executive program for cultural cooperation.

2- A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of endowment and Islamic affairs.

3- A tourist cooperation agreement.

4- An executive program in the field of tourism.

5- A technical cooperation project in the field of environment.

6- A scientific and technical cooperation agreement.

7- A cooperation protocol between the national authority for drinking water and sanitary drainage.

8- An executive project for cooperation in the field of youth, children and sports.

9- An executive program for cooperation between Tunisia Agency Press and the Middle East News Agency.

10- The third executive program for scientific and technological cooperation agreement between the Egyptian and Tunisian scientific research ministries.

Prime Minister Ebeid had earlier received Tunisian Ministers of Industry and Health as well as the Parliament Speaker.