Spain and Tunisia mark 30 years of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation

Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti met with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, in Madrid Friday to discuss security and migration, according to Spanish media. The meeting coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of signing of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement.

Spain, Tunisia’s fourth-largest trading partner, sees growing investment in tourism, with Spanish hotel chains expanding in the country. Migration remains central to bilateral talks, with Tunisia emphasizing its role in managing migration flows while rejecting responsibility for irregular migrants. Nafti defended Tunisia’s policies, denying reports of migrant mistreatment and urging a crackdown on human trafficking networks.

The minister also highlighted Tunisia’s progress on women's rights and cultural ties with Spain, including the Andalusian influence on Tunisian music. With the new Spain-Tunisia Strategy 2025-2028, both countries reportedly intend to strengthen cooperation in a region where migration and security remain pressing concerns.