DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates said on Thursday it would resume flights to Tunisia after an exchange of security information.
A statement by the foreign ministry on state news agency WAM said the decision was taken in light of extensive security cooperation and information received from the Tunisian side that eased the national carriers’ concerns.
“In light of preventing dangers and threats that should be avoided to the largest degree, and in light of an extensive security dialogue and information received from the Tunisian side, the concerned authorities in the UAE have decided to return to normal procedures before the extraordinary circumstance,” the statement said.
Tunisia banned Emirates airline from landing in the capital Tunis after a number of Tunisian women were prevented from boarding its flights.
The move came amid widespread anger in Tunisia, with rights groups condemning “racist and discriminatory” measures.
The transport ministry said the measure would stay in place until Emirates was able to “operate flights in accordance with law and international agreements.”
The UAE said “security information” had caused the delays.
“We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures,” Emirati Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.
“We highly value Tunisian women and respect them,” he added.
Strained ties
Tunisian government officials said the UAE had banned Tunisian women from flying to or transiting through its territory.
On Friday the Tunisian government said it had asked the UAE ambassador to clarify what was happening and had been told that the measures had been temporary and had already been lifted.
Local media reported that Tunisian women had been blocked from boarding Emirates flights to Dubai over several days.
According to AFP news agency, some Tunisian women said their journeys to the UAE had been delayed and some that their visas had to undergo additional examination.
Tunisia has been trying to improve relations with the UAE that were damaged by its 2011 revolution.
A statement by the foreign ministry on state news agency WAM said the decision was taken in light of extensive security cooperation and information received from the Tunisian side that eased the national carriers’ concerns.
“In light of preventing dangers and threats that should be avoided to the largest degree, and in light of an extensive security dialogue and information received from the Tunisian side, the concerned authorities in the UAE have decided to return to normal procedures before the extraordinary circumstance,” the statement said.
Tunisia banned Emirates airline from landing in the capital Tunis after a number of Tunisian women were prevented from boarding its flights.
The move came amid widespread anger in Tunisia, with rights groups condemning “racist and discriminatory” measures.
The transport ministry said the measure would stay in place until Emirates was able to “operate flights in accordance with law and international agreements.”
The UAE said “security information” had caused the delays.
“We contacted our Tunisian brothers about security information that necessitated taking specific procedures,” Emirati Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.
“We highly value Tunisian women and respect them,” he added.
Strained ties
Tunisian government officials said the UAE had banned Tunisian women from flying to or transiting through its territory.
On Friday the Tunisian government said it had asked the UAE ambassador to clarify what was happening and had been told that the measures had been temporary and had already been lifted.
Local media reported that Tunisian women had been blocked from boarding Emirates flights to Dubai over several days.
According to AFP news agency, some Tunisian women said their journeys to the UAE had been delayed and some that their visas had to undergo additional examination.
Tunisia has been trying to improve relations with the UAE that were damaged by its 2011 revolution.
