Tunisia is considering new cooperation agreements with Libya aimed at supporting development in border regions and strengthening coordination between the two neighboring countries. The announcement was made by Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri during events marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 attack in the border city of Ben Guerdane.
Nouri stated that Tunisian authorities are studying the possibility of concluding agreements with Libya similar to those already implemented with Algeria. These initiatives are intended to promote economic growth and improve living conditions in border communities, which often face development challenges and security pressures.
According to Tunisian media reports, the Interior Ministry is working to strengthen attention and government support for regions bordering Libya and Algeria. Officials believe that stronger cooperation with neighboring countries can help stimulate local economies, create new opportunities for residents, and reinforce stability in areas that have historically been vulnerable to security risks and cross-border challenges.
The minister’s comments came during commemorations of the Ben Guerdane Attack, which occurred on March 7, 2016. During the attack, militants affiliated with the extremist group ISIS attempted to seize control of the city in what authorities described as a coordinated effort to establish a foothold near the Libyan border.
Tunisian security forces and the military ultimately repelled the assault after intense clashes across the city. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 36 militants, 12 members of the security forces, and seven civilians, while 27 others were injured. The event has since been widely described in Tunisia as a defining moment in the country’s fight against terrorism.