The enhancement of bilateral cooperation and commercial exchanges between Malta and Tunisia in the agricultural and environmental fields were discussed in further detail during a seminar organised in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise. The Tunisian Ambassador to Malta Mr Mohammed Mezghani was also present for the seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said the event is one of the many activities, ranging from commercial exchanges, to maritime and air transport, tourism as well as other areas, upon which Malta and Tunisia have agreed to exchange information and cooperate to the benefit of both countries.

He said that for this purpose, the ministry has set up a Joint Technical Committee between Malta and Tunisia to cover specific areas of agriculture and the environment. These areas include research on the Maltese goat; aquaculture, particularly tuna breeding; research on seeds for feeding; waste management; management of oil spills; renewable energy, and environmental education.

Minister Pullicino said this is resulting in collaboration between related public and private institutions of the two countries, the exchange of information and documentation, and participation in conferences, meetings and programmes organised in both countries.

He added that the two countries plan to carry out related research work, exchange of experts and preparation of joint training programmes.

He expressed confidence that both countries can learn a lot from their experiences, particularly in these specific areas despite the very different circumstances in which we operate.