Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio on Thursday hailed the 10th anniversary of Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali''s ouster following a month of pro-democracy mass protests against his rule.
"Today Tunisia is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its democracy. The Tunisian people can be proud to have achieved major success over the past decade in terms of political freedoms and individual rights, the holding of free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power," Di Maio said in a statement.
"Democracy is a long and complex process for all," the statement said.
Tunisia can continue to count on Italy's strong support for the consolidation of the rule of law and shared democratic values, as well as economic reforms and projects to help businesses and the country's youth, Di Maio said.
"Italy intends to keep standing shoulder to shoulder with Tunisia in its irrevocable choice of democracy," the statement ended.
