Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laareydh has said they had exclusive relations with Turkey and those should turn into practical and concrete steps.
Speaking to AA in his office in capital Tunis, Laareydh said the relations of Turkey and Tunisia entered into an exclusive process following the revolution in Tunisia. Saying that the bilateral relations improved especially in economic and security fields, Laareydh said their relations would get deeper in several fields. Laareydh thanked Turkey for its support during and after the revolution and sent his regards to Turkish government and people.
On Israel's apology to Turkey for the fatal Israeli raid on the 'Mavi Marmara' aid ship in May 2010 which left nine Turks dead, Laareydh stated that the apology was late but important. "Israel had to admit its crime, even it came late," he added.
He said Tunisia was moving fast on its way to build a new society and new country based on democracy, freedom, economic development and social justice. Noting that several countries succeeded in development but could not provide social justice or succeeded in democracy but could not achieve social integration, Laareydh stated that Turkey was one of the countries succeeded in all fields.
On development projects in Tunisia, Laareydh said they had been facing some constraints and red tape was the most important of them.
He said the real killer of Chokri Belaid -opposition leader with the left-secular Democratic Patriots' Movement who was killed last month- was detected but not caught yet. He said they would like to clear the fear and anxiety clouds over the country by catching the murderer as soon as possible.
Laareydh said hosting the World Social Forum - March 26-30 - was an honor for them and he hoped the forum would raise awareness about what happened in Tunisia.
Denying the claims that Tunisian government was doing alienation, Laareydh said on the contrary, they were inclusive and pro-reconciliation.
Reporting by Faruk Tokat
