Press release

Foreign Secretary welcomes announcement of new Tunisian Prime Minister

On the eve of the third anniversary of the Arab Spring, William Hague calls for further political, economic and security progress in Tunisia.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the announcement of Mr Mehdi Jomaa as Prime Minister of Tunisia, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

I warmly welcome the announcement of Mr Mehdi Jomaa as Tunisia’s new Head of Government. On the eve of the third anniversary of Mohammed Bouazizi’s protest, the event that sparked the Arab Spring, this step demonstrates Tunisia’s commitment to taking forward democratic transition. We hope all Tunisia’s leaders will work together quickly to finalise a constitution and a date for elections in order to embed political freedoms, revive economic growth and underpin security.

On 17 December, Tunisia, and the world, will remember the events in Sidi Bouzid, which inspired change and calls for democracy and human dignity far beyond Tunisia’s borders. Through our Arab Partnership programme, the EU, G8, and other international bodies, the UK remains committed to helping Tunisia build the democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms which we believe are the strongest foundations for long-term prosperity and security.

Further information

Arab Partnership Participation Fund

UK and Tunisia

Follow the Foreign Secretary on twitter @WilliamJHague

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

For journalists

Updates to this page

Published 16 December 2013