On 5 February 2018, EU HR/VP Federica Mogherini received Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia to discuss key issues on EU-Tunisia Enhanced Partnership and mutual interests. In the Joint Press Conference, HR/VP Mogherini talked about the strong link existing between the UE and Tunisia, stressing that EU-Tunisia relations will strengthen in 2018 which is considered a special year for the consolidation of the Tunisian democratic transition. In Mogherini’s words, ‘’the EU will stand by Tunisia’’ along this process, supporting Tunisian youth and economy as two essential pillars of the Enhanced EU-Tunisia partnership for 2018-2010. In the same line, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui highlighted the importance of 2018 as a milestone in the Tunisian democratic process and the key role played by the EU in supporting it. The FM referred to the (already removed) inclusion of Tunisia in the EU tax havens black list as an example of challenges that can obstruct EU-Tunisia relations. EU and Tunisia are expected to hold an Association Council later this year (possibly May 2018).