Yesterday, the Tunisian people chose their future president in a run‑off election. I welcome the fact that, according to initial reports, the election was peaceful, fair and transparent.

I congratulate Béji Caid Essebsi on his success in this democratic decision. Furthermore, I would like to honour Moncef Marzouki for his work as interim president in the past three years.

A great deal has been achieved since the revolution at the beginning of 2011: the country has adopted a modern democratic constitution, established a new parliament and elected a new president.

In recent years, Tunisia’s responsible political forces have displayed great political maturity and put the good of the country and its people over partisan interests and ideological camps. I trust that this will remain the guiding principle of Tunisian politics.

With this run‑off election, Tunisia has brought the country’s transition to democracy to a preliminary conclusion.