(TAP) – An official and solemn ceremony was organised on Friday at the Habib Bourguiba family square in Monastir, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of leader Habib Bourguiba death.

President Beji Caid Essebsi laid a wreath at the foot of the leader's mausoleum and recited the Fatiha (Koran 1st verses), in the presence of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, House of People's Representatives Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur and several government members.

Resistance fighters and activists from the National Liberation Movement and members of the Bourguiba family were also present.

The Head of State reviewed on the occasion, a detachment of the three armies as the national anthem was being performed.

In a statement to the press, Caid Essebsi stressed the importance of commemorating the death of Habib Bourguiba as a token of the Tunisian people’s recognition to leader Bourguiba, who had led the national movement for liberation from the colonial yoke.

Recalling the relationship established by leader Bourguiba between the future of Tunisia and women’s emancipation, the President of the Republic said that Tunisia is now moving towards the achievement of gender equality in all fields.

Tunisian women represent 60% of higher education graduates, 60% of doctors and 45% of magistrates, he specified.

In this regard, he underlined that Tunisian women "will soon benefit from equality in the inheritance," adding that Tunisia will carry on efforts to preserve the achievements accomplished in various fields, notably those of women.

In another connection, Caid Essebsi criticised attempts of those who question the independence of Tunisia after so many years, saying that Tunisia will remain proud of its independence.