December 22, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today congratulated the people of Tunisia following their country’s first-ever free presidential election:
“The people of Tunisia exercised their democratic right to vote in a peaceful and well-organized runoff presidential election. This achievement is the result of continuing efforts to build a free, prosperous, democratic and secure country.
“The Government of Canada congratulates President-elect Beji Caid Essebsi and looks forward to working with him as we continue to deepen and intensify cooperation between our two countries.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to outgoing president Moncef Marzouki, who has worked to promote democracy in Tunisia and who has been helpful in strengthening Canada-Tunisia ties since his election in 2011.
“I am hopeful that in the months and years ahead, President Essebsi will work with Tunisia’s parliament to foster an open, responsive and pluralistic government, while cultivating a climate of trust, compromise and accountability.
“Canada will continue to support this important work as the people of Tunisia build a country based on freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
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