Tunisia departure tax for foreign tourists, decided by the Tunisian government, "is not a discriminatory or arbitrary measure," Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, declared Monday in Algiers, noting that there is no need to "deal with it from a reciprocity point of view."
On a question on Algeria’s position regarding this new measure taken by Tunisia, Lamamra told a news conference held with visiting Portuguese Foreign Minister, Rui Chancerelle de Machete, that the Algerian government has received "assurances from the Tunisian side on the postponement of the application of this measure which doesn’t concern the Algerian nationals who will visit Tunisia during this period."
Last August, the Tunisian authorities announced a departure tax of 30 Tunisian dinars (around 13 Euros), imposed on all the foreigners not living in Tunisia. The application of the tax was postponed to next October.
"The measure will be imposed on all within the deadlines set by the Tunisian government, in conformity with the law in force in Tunisia. It is neither discriminatory nor arbitrary measure," Lamamra insisted.
"There is no need to deal with such a measure with the point of view of reciprocity and see in it a willingness to impose arbitrary measures on the Algerian citizens (by the Tunisian neighbors)," since Algeria is known for its attachment to the protection of its citizens’ dignity abroad, to its national sovereignty and the principle of reciprocity."
In this regard, he said that "Algeria and Tunisia are linked by a very privileged relation" which "progresses to become a model in the Maghreb," noting the importance of Algeria’s support to Tunisia in the economic, financial and security fields notably in this period of democratic transition.
Tunisia has always devoted a good welcome to the Algerian citizens, without visa during the years of terrorism, Lamamra said, adding that Algeria was fighting alone against this scourge while some did not recognize it, and spoke about civil war or political violence."