TUNIS, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali met with European Union (EU) and Belgian officials Tuesday in Brussels on the cooperation between the two sides, Tunisian official TAP press agency reported.

Jebali met separately with President of European Council Herman Van Rompuy and Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo.

During the meetings, Jebali discussed the human rights situation in Tunisia and the cooperation between his country and EU with the European officials, TAP said.

Tunisia's access to the "privileged partnership" with EU and the signing of a full, in-depth free exchange agreement were also reviewed in the meetings, it added.

Jebali said Tunisia expected Belgian political, economic and social support during the country's transition.

On his part, the Belgian prime minister said it is essential for Tunisia to set up the rule of law, guarantee the equality between men and women, separate religion from politics, and establish freedom of speech and free press.

Jebali's visit is at the invitation of President of European commission Jose Manuel Barroso.