(ANSAmed) - ROMA, 28 DIC - "The meetings with the President of the Tunisian Republic and with the foreign minister have proved very productive, since they made it possible to move forward with and consolidate a dialogue that has never been interrupted with a country that Italy sees as strategic, as well as a longstanding friend," Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said Tuesday on a trip to Tunis.
    Di Maio will also be meeting with Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhan.
    "To my interlocutors," the Italian foreign minister said, "I confirmed that Italy is watching with interest the setting in motion of a path for reforms and political and constitutional deadlines that we hope will culminate in new legislative elections. I then underscored the importance that the path set in motion continue towards the full restoration of the rule of law and democratic normality. At the same time, it is important that this happen through dialogue that is inclusive, transparent, and substantive, with all the political and social components of the country, ensuring full respect for fundamental rights and economic growth." "On the issue of bilateral relations, in particular economic and trade ones, in reiterating that Tunisia is both a privileged partner of Italy and that there are about 800 Italian businesses [in the country], I expressed the hope that this partnership can be strengthened further," Di Maio said. (ANSAmed).