欧美文化:Tunisia remains safe despite synagogue shooting: president

TUNIS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied assured Wednesday that Tunisia will remain safe after Tuesday's synagogue shooting that killed at least five.

"I want to reassure the Tunisian people and the whole world that Tunisia will remain safe despite this type of attempt intended to disturb its stability," Saied said in a statement.

On the sidelines of a national security council, the president said the attack at La Ghriba synagogue in southern Tunisia is to hit the state, destabilize its institutions, and harm the tourist season.

"The state will watch over the security of the population and the stability of the country," Saied said, adding that Tunisia will always remain a land of tolerance and coexistence.

On Tuesday night, a guardsman affiliated with the National Guard opened fire at security staff stationed near the synagogue, leaving two visitors and three other security officers killed, before being shot dead during an exchange of fire.

Several others, including security officers and civilians, were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar said the country is ready to welcome and protect all those who prefer to visit Tunisia in the upcoming summer holidays.

Ammar made the remarks when meeting with his Belgian and Portuguese counterparts, Hadja Lahbib and Joao Gomes Cravinho respectively, who were on a working visit to Tunisia, said a ministry statement.

He called on European countries to intensify investment in Tunisia and remove customs barriers, urging a joint effort to promote tourism between Tunisia and Europe.

The two diplomats voiced Europe's willingness to support Tunisia in overcoming current challenges and advancing the recovery of the Tunisian economy for the common interest of both sides.