HM Ambassador Christopher O’Connor

Welcome to my page. It is an honour to be appointed British Ambassador to Tunisia.

Our role
The Embassy exists to deliver benefits to people in Britain and Tunisia in a wide range of fields, including business promotion, energy, culture, tourism and security. This work is based on a close working relationship with our Tunisian counterparts and a framework of co-operation between our two governments.

Trade & Investment
The United Kingdom is the largest foreign investor in Tunisia. And we have a flourishing trade relationship. The Free Trade Agreement between Tunisia and the European Union, which began in January 2008, will further boost our economic ties. We want to continue to expand our excellent trade and investment relationship.

Energy
Energy is a major and important area of cooperation. In October 2008, UK companies and Tunisian oil and energy stakeholders met in London under an umbrella agreement to build a basis for future business contracts and partnerships. Through this work we can help promote more broadly a low-carbon, high growth, global economy.

Culture & Education
The British Council in Tunisia is responsible for cultural and educational links. We encourage those Tunisians who believe they can become leaders in their fields in the future to apply for our Chevening programme for study in the United Kingdom. Please see the relevant pages of our website or contact the British Council. Selection for the scholarships is currently underway.

Security
Our two countries also have a common interest in security issues. Co-operation on security is vital as we work together to counter the ever-changing threats from international terrorism.  

Other areas of cooperation
We constantly look for new ways to work together for the benefit of Tunisia and the United Kingdom. Recent exchanges have included:

-a delegation of British experts from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau visiting Tunisia to share their perspectives with to the National School of Administration in Tunis (l'Ecole Nationale de Tunis).

- A Tunisian delegation, from the Committee for the Reintegration of Prisoner’s, supported by the President, visiting the UK to discuss and develop the rehabilitation of Prisoner’s back into society.

- Members of the Tunisian Prime Ministry visiting the UK to discuss Public Sector reform.

Services for British Citizens
The Embassy is responsible for support for British nationals abroad. If you are a British citizen travelling or living in Tunisia, we encourage you to register with our consular database called LOCATE. This is designed to help you in the event of a problem. You may register on-line or by contacting our consular staff. 

I look forward to building on this important work and developing ever closer links between Tunisia and the United Kingdom.

Christopher O’Connor
HM Ambassador
British Embassy Tunis

24 November 2008

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
“Better World, Better Britain”