NNA - Tunisian Transportation Minister, Karim Al-Harouni, arrived in Beirut on Sunday, heading an official ministerial delegation, upon an invitation by Public Works and Transportation Minister, Ghazi Aridi. The visit is to include meetings with President of the Republic, General Michel Sleiman; Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, as well as initialing of a protocol agreement between both Lebanese and Tunisian Public Works and Transport Ministries. Both Ministers shall also lay the cornerstone for the new center for naval studies and research for a joint Arab transportation network.


Aridi welcomed his Tunisian Counterpart upon arrival at Beirut International Airport. In a brief word to attending newsmen, Al-Harouni described his visit as being a "tribute from the Tunisian Revolution at the start of its democratic path to Lebanon, which has crossed great distances in the democratic experience in the Arab world, an exceptional and unique experience," noted Al-Harouni. He added that the program prepared especially for the visit stands as a greeting to Tunisia and its revolutionary men; in addition to being proof that the future between Lebanon and Tunisia shall flourish and bloom.


Al-Harouni also expressed a word of praise to Aridi, describing him as a "man of political struggle, who has always been close to people's burdens in the Arab world and the Palestinian cause." He added that at such times of difficulty, there is great need for men who are capable of steering the country and respecting expertise and laws.


In turn, Minister Aridi welcomed his Tunisian counterpart and accompanying delegation in Lebanon; a visit that comes to highlight Lebanon and Tunisia's wish to pursue bilateral relations and mutual exchange of expertise to the benefit of both Countries, Aridi noted. He added that the Tunisian delegation's visit shall include initialing of agreements at the Public Works and Transportation Ministry; in addition to a tour amongst Tripoli and Beirut Ports, as well as meetings with a number of Lebanese officials.



================= R.Sh.