New York/Information Office/ 18 September 2017/ HE Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani described Qatar's proactive policy in the fight against extremism and terrorism as a constructive option that addresses the social roots of this abhorrent phenomenon.

Addressing the first ministerial meeting of the follow-up mechanism of the International Conference on economy and investment (TUNISIA 2020) in New York today, His excellency stressed that the fight against terrorism should not be confined to the security dimension, but should focus on addressing economic and social causes that lead to despair and extremism.

His Excellency said that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had announced, during Tunisia 2020 conference, Qatar's contribution of $1.250 billion to support Tunisia's economy and enhance its development path.

HE the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of this support in creating jobs for youth and contributing to solving the problem of unemployment and preventing negative phenomena that lead to violence and extremism.

He explained that Qatar Fund for Development allocated $250 million in loans to support a variety of important investment projects in Tunisia in the sectors of education, health and economic empowerment within the framework of the implementation of the contribution of the State of Qatar.

He revealed that the Fund is preparing a mechanism to finance these projects and will announce the funded projects in the coming months.

He noted that the Fund has financed developmental and humanitarian projects in Tunisia with more than $30 million in the areas of housing and health, as well as supporting the families of martyrs.

His Excellency said that the State of Qatar and the Republic of Tunisia have a long history of cooperation in the field of development, adding that the Qatari Friendship Fund in Tunisia has provided a development grant of $97 million after its launch in 2013.

HE the Foreign Minister said that the Fund seeks to provide job opportunities for young people in order to help them achieve their aspirations and protect them from extremist ideologies.

He said that the Qatari Friendship Fund, in cooperation with local partners in Tunisia, has managed since 2013 to provide more than 10,400 direct jobs and about 26,500 indirect jobs through 3,400 small and medium-sized companies, adding that the Fund is looking to provide 15,000 jobs for Tunisian youth by the end of 2018.

HE the Foreign Minister explained that the Fund is currently preparing an integrated and exemplary economic system aimed at bringing together a significant number of partners, including Tunisian governmental and non-governmental organizations working to provide funding for Tunisian youth and assist them in the various stages of designing and implementing their projects.

He stressed that the State of Qatar stands by the Republic of Tunisia based on the deep historical ties of brotherhood, the common destiny and the firm belief in the imperative of synergy among countries, especially the sisterly ones.

He added that Qatar was a key partner in the international conference on economy and investment "Tunisia 2020" held in November 2016, noting that the conference reflected positively on the economy in Tunisia and contributed to the realization of the aspirations of the Tunisian people in development and stability.

His Excellency referred to the success of the democratic experiment in Tunisia and called on the international community to support it as a model.

He reiterated Qatar's support for the Tunisian government's plan for development, economic and social advancement, promoting political stability and mobilizing regional and international support for development projects.

He stressed that the State of Qatar will spare no effort to stand by Tunisia to overcome the challenges it faces.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani thanked all partners, especially France, Canada, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, for their active and effective cooperation to ensure the success of joint efforts to achieve the economic growth of Tunisia.