Summary:

Late last week, Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar was in New York City for the 78th United Nations General Assembly where he participated in multiple sideline meetings and addressed the General Assembly.

FM Ammar used his address before the General Assembly to highlight inequality in the global financial system that “has increased the gap between advanced countries and developing countries.” He also spoke about climate change and irregular migration, as well as global food supply chains.

FM Ammar participated in other events while in New York, including meetings with the UN Secretary General. Ammar’s appearances included interviews in which he vehemently defended both Tunisia’s efforts to address irregular migration and the legal cases against political opposition figures.

One particular interview with Al Monitor caused controversy when rumors circulated that Ammar had walked out of the interview prematurely. It was later clarified that this did not happen, though the interview was spirited.

Outlook:  

Tunisia’s UNGA participation will likely have limited impact on the country’s current diplomatic challenges, including the irregular migration crisis and key relationships with the EU, the US, and others.

Ammar’s passionate defense of Tunisia’s efforts to manage the irregular migration crisis, its political environment, and its economic future is unlikely to sway many opinions.

Many of those skeptical of the administration view President Saied as singularly controlling the country’s policies, likely sapping Ammar’s public statements of policy relevance in the eyes of key partners.

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