Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi called Tuesday on Germany to support his country's upcoming negotiations with the European Union to create a free trade area and establish a partnership that guarantees free movement of persons, the Presidency said in a statement.

State-run news agency TAP said this came in a formal dinner in honor of German President Joachim Gauck hosted Monday evening at Carthage Palace.

Essebsi said Tunisia yearns to further deepen the bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields.

Essebsi also called for mobilizing the potentials and strengthening joint action to address terrorism, extremism, organized crime and illegal migration.

For his part, the German President reiterated his country's commitment to supporting Tunisia in its political and economic transition process by working to expand co-operation and partnership between the two countries.

Gauck began a three-day state visit to Tunisia on Monday.