Italy signs deal to foster Tunisian trade with EU

Italy on Wednesday signed a deal in Tunisia aimed at fostering economic activity between Europe and the North African nation. The deal affirms Italy's pledge to open a 'privileged partnership' between its Mediterranean neighbor and the European Union that would promote "economic and social development in Tunisia". The accord was signed by Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi and his Tunisian counterpart Rafik Abdessalem at the end of a two-day visit by Giorgio Napolitano. "Tunisia is moving in the right direction," said Napolitano. "It is capable of shared and consistent economic development."