Summary:

On 27 February 2023, President Kais Saied, received Qatari  Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, at the Presidential Palace. Al-Thani was in Tunis for a working visit at the head of an official delegation.

According to an official readout from the Tunisian administration,  al-Thani ‘expressed his country’s readiness to finance several projects in Tunisia or contribute to their implementation, similar to the production platform in Sidi Bouzid and the Children’s Hospital in Manouba, as well as cooperation in the sports field by transferring one of the stadiums that hosted the finals the last World Cup to Tunisia.’ This visit coincides with Tunisia’s hosting of the 40th session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers.

Outlook:  

This visit shows an interest from Doha in revitalizing bilateral relations that have stalled since the 25 July 2021 dissolution of Parliament. Doha has communicated a willingness to increase investment in Tunisia at a critical point in Tunisia’s economic crisis as a $1.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains in negotiation.  In the short and medium term this could mean potential financial relief for the Tunisian government that has struggled to find willing allies in the midst of a controversial economic and political transition under President Kais Saied. Our team will continue watching for developments in Tunisia’s relationship with Qatar, particularly as it relates to financial assistance.

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