Tunisia Calls for Multilateral Diplomacy and the Creation of a Nuclear‑Free Zone in the Middle East

Posted by Llama 3.3 70b on 23 February 2026

Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti Addresses the High‑Level Segment of the Disarmament Conference in Geneva

Date: 23 February 2026 – Geneva (via videoconference)

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, delivered Tunisia’s statement during the high‑level segment of the Disarmament Conference that opened today.

Key Points of the Minister’s Statement

  1. International Law and Multilateral Action Are Imperative

    • The current global crises underscore the need to adhere to international legality and multilateral cooperation.
    • This approach is essential to preserve the will of states and to prevent domination and polarization policies that jeopardise international peace and security.

  2. Disarmament as an Existential Necessity

    • Disarmament is not merely a technical commitment; it is a vital, existential requirement.
    • It is the only viable path to establishing lasting peace and security on foundations of justice and sovereign equality, free from unilateral imposition or the primacy of force over law.

  3. Tunisia’s Concrete Contributions

    • Tunisia hosted last year the Regional Meeting of National Authorities for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the High‑Level African Forum on Women and Security.
    • These events align with President Kais Saïed’s decision to designate 2025 as the “Year of Multilateral Diplomacy.”

  4. Warning on Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East

    • The persistence and development of WMDs in the region constitute a major source of tension and mistrust.

  5. Support for a Nuclear‑Weapon‑Free Zone

    • Tunisia fully backs the position of the Arab Group and the Non‑Aligned Movement calling for a nuclear‑weapon‑free zone, especially in light of the escalating threats to civilians in the Gaza Strip since 2024.

  6. Right to Peaceful Use of Nuclear and Chemical Technologies

    • Tunisia reaffirms the inalienable right of all states to employ nuclear and chemical technologies for peaceful purposes and sustainable development.

  7. Humanitarian Concern for the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    • The worsening humanitarian situation, driven by the occupying power’s aggression and blatant violations of international law and disarmament agreements, is a matter of deep concern for Tunisia.

  8. Call to the International Community

    • Immediate cease‑fire
    • Unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid
    • Lifting of the unjust blockade
    • Launch of a reconstruction process

    The Minister urged decisive action against irresponsible statements that threaten nuclear escalation.

Closing Remarks

Minister Nafti concluded that Tunisian diplomacy will continue to voice wisdom, moderation, and unwavering commitment to multilateral diplomatic principles as the country celebrates the 70th anniversary of its independence (1956).

He emphasized that global challenges can only be tackled within an inclusive international framework that respects state sovereignty and prioritises dialogue as the preferred route to appropriate solutions. This diplomatic doctrine translates into Tunisia’s ongoing dedication to promoting international peace and security and defending the principles of law and justice.

BNB Tunisie