On Tuesday, President Kaïs Saïed welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, at the Carthage Palace. The meeting carried significant diplomatic weight, as the Head of State reiterated his strategic directives for Tunisia’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Kaïs Saïed underscored the necessity for an active and engaged diplomacy aligned with Tunisia’s vital interests. “The liberation battle we are leading within the country must be accompanied by a diplomatic liberation movement,” he declared, stressing the importance of continuous and rigorous oversight of Tunisian ambassadors’ performance.
For the president, the value of a diplomatic mission is not measured by the number of embassies or ambassadors but by what is accomplished between the submission of credentials and the end of the mandate. He reaffirmed that Tunisia’s foreign policy remains firmly rooted in national decision-making, independence and diversified partnerships.
The issue of migration was also a major topic of discussion. Kaïs Saïed expressed concern over the low number of voluntary returns of irregular migrants in Tunisia. Since the start of the year, only 1,544 migrants have been repatriated under voluntary return programs—a figure the president deems insufficient. He criticized the lack of effort from international organizations, especially the International Organization for Migration (IOM), urging them to increase their support for Tunisia’s initiatives.
In this context, the president reiterated his call for stronger collaboration with relevant states and international bodies to dismantle criminal networks that exploit migrants, even engaging in organ trafficking. He condemned these practices as unacceptable from both a humanitarian and legal standpoint.
Finally, Kaïs Saïed instructed improvements in remote services for Tunisians living abroad, in coordination with various state administrations. Diplomatic and consular missions must serve citizens and the national interest, he stressed, warning that negligence or failure in duty would not be tolerated.
Through these statements, the president reaffirms his commitment to reform and accountability in Tunisian diplomacy amid an increasingly complex regional and international landscape.