Tunisia-France Relations: 2 nations agree to boost ties, work on solutions for Libya, ISIL

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Tunisia and France have agreed to work more closely together - especially as they try to neutralize ISIL and end the crisis in Libya. This comes as France's President visits Tunis and CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi is there.

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Tunisia for a 3-day state visit. His Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi hailed the support of Paris to Tunis. Officials from the 2 countries signed agreements in many sectors.

BEJI CAID ESSEBSI TUNISIAN PRESIDENT "This state visit marks a new beginning for Tunisian-French relations. The number of agreements shows that we're developing our relations. I thank France for supporting us following the unjust blacklisting as a tax haven."

The security situation in Libya was on the agenda. Macron stressed the need to reach a settlement in the North African state.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "Resolving the Libya crisis is a top priority. The stability in Libya and the safety of its territories is necessary. We support the peace initiative of the UN Envoy to Libya."

Béji Caid Essebsi insisted on Libya's sovereignty.

"Libya and its territorial integrity are not negotiable. We must support Libyans so that they can reach a peaceful settlement and build their state without foreign interference."

Intelligence services in the 2 countries will increase cooperation and exchange of information on ISIL terrorists to prevent their redeployment after leaving Syria and Iraq. Cutting off terrorists financing will also be the focus of the meeting between Tunisian and French security officials.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA"Dozens of French businessmen, representatives of Medium sized enterprises as well as multinationals have accompanied Macron in his first visit to Tunisia. Analysts say that French president has show that boosting economic ties between Paris and Tunis is one of his top priorities. AC. CGTN."