Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki paid an official visit to France on 17-19 July 2012, during which he addressed the National Assembly. From his discussions with President Hollande and Prime Minister Ayrault, which covered a wide range of issues, there emerged a shared desire for deeper bilateral relations and for France to extend its support to Tunisia and the Tunisian people through this time of transition, and to forge a partnership of equals with Tunisia, which recognises in France a "natural gateway to Europe".

The Tunisian President’s visit followed only shortly after that of Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali on 28 June 2012, the first visit to France by a Tunisian leader since the elections of 23 October 2011. The two visits were highly symbolic for both countries, demonstrating a return to relations of trust.

Updated on 18.12.12.