Christopher O'Connor » British Ambassador to Tunisia

Tunisia’s political transition will need to be accompanied by rapid economic regeneration if it is to be truly successful. So while the international media tends to focus on politics, Tunisia’s international partners need to engage also on the economics. There are many elements to this. The UK, as a shareholder in all the major relevant International Financial Institutions (World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, European Bank of Reconstruction … Read more »Boosting Business

I have had the great pleasure to host world class British pianist Karl Lutchmayer in Tunis this week. Karl is paying a short visit as part of a series of international travel to promote understanding of the music of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt in his bicentenary year. During his short stay here, Karl has not only played concerts for lovers of classical music but also helped promote musical appreciation among … Read more »Cultural Diplomacy

When the Foreign Secretary visited Tunisia just after the revolution (the first Foreign Minister from any country to do so), he said that he wanted to respond to the changes in Tunisia by making a real step change in the nature of our bilateral relationship. He said that whereas in the past we had a limited relationship based on shared interests, we now had the chance to build a much … Read more »Historic step in UK-Tunisia relationship

This week we had an excellent visit by Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt. It was his third visit to Tunisia since the revolution and his first since the formation of the new, democratically elected government. The visit had political and economic objectives. On the political side, the focus was on the continuing progress of the Tunisian transition post-revolution and the UK’s growing programme of support. There was a strong convergence … Read more »Ministerial visit

I had the opportunity this week to meet with President Marzouki for an in depth discussion on the Tunisian transition and the new opportunities for partnerships with the UK. We agreed this was a critical time for Tunisia, and also one of opportunity for the relationship between our two countries. We discussed the new openings for British investors, both in the energy sector where British companies are already highly active, … Read more »Meeting with the President

On Friday, Tunisia hosted representatives of over 70 countries and international organisations to consider how to respond to the appalling violence being committed by the Syrian regime against Syria’s people. The mood of the “Friends of Syria” meeting was one of grim determination. Foreign Ministers from across the globe agreed that the international community should support the struggle of the Syrian people for their legitimate rights. They also agreed that … Read more »Syria

One of the most striking new features of Tunisian politics is the free and lively debate in the Constituent Assembly. The elected members are probing and questioning government policies and representing the views of their voters in ways which were unimaginable little more than a year ago. The biggest task ahead for the Assembly will be to draw up a new constitution. Their members have already begun to study the … Read more »Parliamentary links

Along with its political transition, Tunisia faces some important economic challenges. Unemployment and regional disparities in particular remain major issues of public concern. The solutions will no doubt need to involve a mix of government policy initiatives, support from international financial institutions, the EU and individual partner countries, and investment decisions by the private sector. In this context I was pleased to host an event organised by a British/Tunisian company … Read more »Investment Opportunities

I was much encouraged by the spirit in which Tunisia marked the passing of a year since the departure of former President Ben Ali. Many Tunisians face the same economic hardships they faced a year ago. And many are frustrated that overthrowing a repressive regime has not led to more immediate and tangible improvements in their daily lives. But it was heartening to see that in towns across the country, … Read more »Pride and determination

This weekend marks the first anniversary of the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, which triggered the momentous events in Tunisia and across the region now known as the Arab Spring.  It has been an unforgettable year for Tunisians and for all of us living and working here. It is humbling to think back on how events developed in the days following 17 December 2010.  First there was an outpouring of anger … Read more »An unforgettable year