Pakistan and Tunisia on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and three agreements to enhance co-operation in science and technology‚ education‚ handicrafts and commerce sectors. This was the outcome of the two-day 8th session of Pak-Tunisia Joint Commission in which Pakistan side was headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan while the Tunisian side was led by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia Hedi Ben Abbes.
During the talks, officials said that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will also be signed by the end of this year for boosting bilateral trade. As per the latest trade arrangements between the two countries, Pakistan will export surgical equipment and sports goods, while in return import olive oil from Tunisia. Tunisian Secretary for Foreign Affairs noted that the option of PTA could attract more bilateral investment.
The MoU was signed between the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) and Ezzitouna University, Tunisia in the presence of the heads and administrative officers of both the educational institutions. Professor Dr Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman, President IIUI and Dr Abdul Jalil Salam, Rector Ezzitouna University, singed the MoU. Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan and Hedi Ben Abbes and Ambassador of Tunisia in Pakistan also witnessed the signing ceremony.