Participation of Tunisia in the 7th Africa-Europe Summit
As part of his participation in the 7th Africa-Europe Summit, held in Angola on November 24 and 25, 2025, Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, delivered Tunisia's speech during the second session dedicated to shaping a "prosperous and sustainable future for Africa and Europe" and "partnership for migration and mobility".
Key Points of the Minister's Speech
The Minister began his intervention by noting that the Summit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Afro-European partnership. He considered this an opportunity to clarify visions and orientations between the two parties with a view to establishing frameworks and mechanisms of cooperation that can boost bilateral relations and define a new common strategic approach. This approach should take into account the reality of the two continents and their needs, in light of the worsening and intertwining of challenges on the one hand, and the benefits, capabilities, and real opportunities for strengthening cooperation and partnership on the other.
Commitment to Multilateralism
Mr. Nafti reaffirmed Tunisia's firm commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the need to renew collective action in a world undergoing profound changes and rapid disruptions, where security crises intersect with economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. These realities require updating the foundations of multilateral action and rebuilding trust in its various structures. They also call for collective reflection and political courage to rehabilitate the values on which the United Nations and various international partnerships, including the Africa-Europe partnership, are based. These values include constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in preserving international peace and security.
Approach to Migration
In his intervention, the Minister reiterated Tunisia's position calling for the migration issue to be addressed within a comprehensive, multidimensional approach - human, economic, social, and cultural - based on common but differentiated responsibility and equitable sharing of burdens, particularly in view of development disparities and opportunity inequalities between the North and the South.
Proposals for Cooperation
He called for accelerating programs of legal and circular human mobility between Africa and Europe, as well as establishing a mechanism associating the African Union and the European Union to encourage joint investment in countries of origin. The Minister emphasized that the future of the two continents depends on their common ability to adopt regular, transparent, and attractive processes for mobility, without weakening the national capacities of skill-sending countries and avoiding the negative effects of brain drain. This can be achieved through the establishment of solidarity partnerships and innovative mechanisms to ensure the return of experts, as well as guaranteeing support for national systems of higher education, vocational training, and lifelong learning.
Migration as a Source of Development
Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti explained that migration can be a source of development and wealth when it is organized, safe, legal, and respectful of human dignity. He discussed the challenges posed by irregular migration, fueled by human trafficking networks, and welcomed the ongoing cooperation with the International Organization for Migration in creating new opportunities and mobilizing human resources for investment in migrants' countries of origin.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad concluded his speech by affirming that it is now time to develop and build new, more equitable systems and engage in a process of transforming policies. This requires increased and convergent efforts to face current challenges and adopt comprehensive approaches where the human being is a true driver of development, serving present and future generations.
Outcome of the Summit
The Summit resulted in the adoption of a Joint Declaration defining the main orientations and priorities of the Africa-Europe partnership for the coming period, as well as the commitment of both parties to support cooperation in the areas of peace, security, migration, and development, in addition to strengthening multilateral action and revising its mechanisms to ensure equitable representation of Africa and address the challenges facing the African and European continents.
