Tunisia and Russia have expressed their commitment to further developing their partnership, marking 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. On July 11, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, exchanged messages acknowledging the strong ties between their nations. They noted that relations began on July 11, 1956, when Tunisia established diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union. Both ministers emphasized that this cooperation, built on historical and economic links, has evolved over decades through mutual respect, dialogue, and shared interests. They also praised the continuous growth of bilateral relations across strategic sectors such as agriculture, economy, scientific research, culture, and technology. Nafti and Lavrov reiterated their intention to expand cooperation by exploring new high-value sectors and increasing exchanges. This anniversary occurs amid significant geopolitical shifts, including Russia's growing diplomatic and economic presence in Africa and Tunisia's desire to diversify international partnerships. The ministers also expressed their commitment to ongoing consultation and coordination within regional and international organizations.
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Salmonella has been confirmed as the cause of a mass food poisoning incident that affected nearly 200 people after a wedding in the Talha region of El Mida, Ouedhref delegation, Gabes governorate. Ahmed Neji, regional coordinator for the National Food Safety Authority in Gabes, announced the confirmation on Saturday, July 11, 2026, on Mosa茂que FM, concluding investigations into the incident. Following the wedding meal, dozens of guests experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fevers, leading to their admission to the local hospital in Mdhouref. Approximately 200 individuals received treatment before being discharged. Health inspectors faced a challenge as no food samples were available for analysis. They relied on victim testimonies to reconstruct the menu, with initial suspicions focusing on tajine and mechouia salad, dishes prone to spoilage in high temperatures if improperly stored. The appearance of symptoms approximately 24 hours after the meal had already led specialists to suspect salmonella. Subsequent analyses and investigations have now confirmed this hypothesis. Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning, often linked to undercooked or improperly stored eggs, poultry, and their derivatives. High summer temperatures facilitate its proliferation, increasing risks at large gatherings. Ahmed Neji urged increased vigilance, especially at weddings and family events, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the cold chain, hygiene rules, and proper fo
The Ministry of Health has initiated discussions with representatives from the medical equipment sector to prevent a potential interruption in supplies to public hospitals, anticipated by August 31, 2026. This development follows an ultimatum issued by medical device suppliers due to years of unpaid invoices. Lotfi Ben Yedder, president of the Utica Medical Equipment Union Chamber, announced the talks on July 11, 2026, describing a recent meeting with the Minister of Health as "positive." The sector's representatives had previously warned that without payment of debts owed to over 600 companies before August 31, they would declare a "force majeure," risking suspension of deliveries and maintenance services. The Minister of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, has committed to mobilizing funds in July and August to alleviate the companies' cash flow issues, though the exact amount is not yet specified. Both parties have agreed to continue meetings for the next three months and establish a joint commission to address outstanding issues, including bank guarantees and late payment penalties. The crisis stems from unpaid invoices by public health facilities accumulating since 2020, leading to severe liquidity problems for companies despite being profitable on paper. These companies are crucial for both supplying and maintaining medical equipment, and a disruption could impact daily hospital operations. Ben Yedder expressed confidence that the discussions an
Donald Trump threatened to "decimate and completely destroy" Iran if it attempted to assassinate him, following intelligence from Israel about an alleged Iranian plot. Trump stated on Truth Social that "A thousand missiles are ready to fire and pointed towards the Islamic Republic of Iran, and thousands more will follow immediately" if the threat is carried out. He added that the US military is "ready, willing, and able" to destroy all regions of Iran for up to a year. This comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Tehran had respected the ceasefire agreement with Washington, accusing the US of violating its commitments by reinstating economic sanctions. The exchanges highlight a deterioration in relations between the two countries, weeks after a ceasefire was announced. The alleged assassination plot revelations also surface amid ongoing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv, with Israel advocating for continued pressure on Iran despite Trump's acceptance of a truce.