In light of the recent developments in Tunisia, as the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, His Excellency Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, will pay a visit, together with the Council of Europe Secretary General, His Excellency Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland, to Tunisia on 21st February 2011.

The Council of Europe is the most competent organization in terms of experience in democracy and rule of law. This visit aims to explore the possibilities to provide expertise and institutional support of the Council of Europe as part of the democratic transition process in Tunisia.

Tunisia is a member of the Venice Commission (The European Commission for Democracy through Law) since 2010. The Venice Commission has played a leading role in the adoption of constitutions that conform to the international standards.

The recently established Partner for Democracy status under the Parlimentary Assembly of the Council of Europe provides Tunisia, a framework for further cooperation.

The objective of the visit is to express support to the democratic transition process in Tunisia, to acquire first-hand information about the current situation and to identify the areas where the Council of Europe can provide contribution.