Tunisian–Algerian military agreement at the center of debate: the firm response of the Minister of Defense (video)

Tunisia’s Minister of National Defense, Khaled Shili , issued a strong and direct message to those he described as “known both inside and outside the country,” accusing them of attempting to politically exploit the Tunisia–Algeria military agreement.

Speaking on Tuesday during a joint plenary session of the Parliament devoted to the discussion of his ministry’s budget, the minister condemned efforts by certain actors to use Tunisian–Algerian relations for political purposes, even to the point of targeting the military institution in partisan disputes.

A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Geography and History

Shili stressed that every time Tunisian–Algerian cooperation strengthens, “distorted interpretations and political speculation emerge, driven by temporary interests and alignments.”

“This bilateral cooperation is not motivated by narrow considerations, but by a strategic security necessity, imposed by our shared geography, common history, and joint borders,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that Tunisia and Algeria share an organized partnership, guided by mutual interests and free from any political or ideological alignment.

An Updated Agreement, Not a New One

Responding to a parliamentary question about the defense cooperation agreement with Algeria, Souihi clarified that it is not a new agreement, but rather an update of an accord originally signed in 2001, revised to address current security challenges.

“The agreement focuses on counterterrorism cooperation, exchange of expertise, and border security,” he explained, adding that the accord remains strictly technical in nature.

The minister further explained that this agreement does not fall under Article 62 of the 2022 Constitution, as it carries no financial or judicial implications.

Therefore, it does not require parliamentary ratification, in accordance with Tunisia’s constitutional framework.

 

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