Hommam Al Nassim 
The office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Italy’s intention to provide government cash financing and credit facilities to Tunisia worth 105 million euros ($111.7 million).
This came as part of Italy’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with African countries and curb illegal immigration to Europe.
During a reception by Tunisian President Kais Saied at the Carthage Palace on Wednesday, Meloni stressed that the very important strategic relationship with Tunisia is one of Italy’s top priorities, adding that bilateral cooperation has become a priority for the European Union, saying: “Energy is one of the sectors within which cooperation between Italy and Tunisia must continue to be strengthened.”
Meloni said Rome wanted to do more to encourage orderly migration following an agreement last year that would allow some 12,000 skilled Tunisian workers to enter Italy over three years.
For his part, the Tunisian president affirmed his country’s firm position in rejecting its transformation into a center for illegal immigration, calling for a collective approach to confront migration issues and combat human smuggling networks in the Mediterranean.
At the end of the visit, three cooperation agreements were signed, including in the field of higher education and scientific research, in addition to financial support for Tunisia.
Government grants totaling €50 million were offered to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, along with a credit facilitation of €55 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Tunisia.
“Total” and “Verbund” are studying the production of the green hydrogen in Tunisia for export to Europe