(TAP correspondent Yamina Touati) - Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi stated Sunday at the Tunisian embassy in Paris that he has chosen France for his first trip abroad in view of the importance of the long-standing relations binding the two countries, which go beyond the economic aspect and trade to encompass the cultural field.

"We actually share the values of freedom and democracy that render relations between the two countries more fluid and easy," he explained.

He added that nearly one million Tunisians from various backgrounds live in France, the largest Tunisian community living abroad.

"I wanted to meet them first to listen to them. As it is true that the approach adopted so far in our relations with Tunisian communities abroad now seems very outdated. Much more than tax, customs and administrative facilities, Tunisians abroad need, and they have vividly formulated it, to contribute actively to the development of their country. We have agreed, in this regard, to establish an institutional framework bringing together Tunisians abroad."

Mechichi insisted on willingness to work in depth with this category of Tunisians, which he described as a "treasure" and a "model of success" that should be encouraged by providing them with the right environment in Tunisia.

However, he pointed out, "nowadays Tunisia is undergoing political, economic and social difficulties that are unjustified and badly perceived by these Tunisians who feel excluded. Our role is to involve them, as a force of proposal in seeking solutions to the difficulties facing the country."

We will see to it to develop with our French partners a training platform for Tunisian competences in France with a view to using their know-how and experience acquired in Tunisia as well as in France, for the benefit of development in their country.

"An issue that will be discussed with French officials during the visit."

In another vein, Mechichi assured that the French partners still believe in Tunisia. "We want to reassure them more," he said.

The Prime Minister's visit to France also has an important economic aspect regarding the search for a repositioning after COVID.

"Our country will undertake for the post-COVID period to invest in the concept of relocation in certain industrial sectors, the digital economy and sustainable tourism.

Hichem Mechichi had earlier met with several Tunisian doctors, businessmen and economic actors operating in multinationals, established in France, who affirmed commitment to put their experience acquired both in Tunisia and in France to use for the development of their country.

Discussions with doctors focused on the enhancement of research, the development of the pharmaceutical industry, the improvement of the quality of services in Tunisia's university hospitals and front-line establishments in particular.

The Tunisian doctors welcomed the openness of the Prime Minister to the proposals made during the meeting and expressed wish that such an initiative would promote more fruitful exchanges on ways to contribute to the development of the health sector in Tunisia, by sharing experiences and daily professional experience.

Tunisians from different professional backgrounds asserted commitment to endeavour, each in his own field, to represent his country and give the best image of Tunisian competences.