CHINA/TUNISIA- Wednesday, 19th of July, according to reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with visiting Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui of Tunisia. Wang Yi, according to feeds, expressed that China and Tunisia enjoy a long-standing friendship, and both sides have always supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns.
The report revealed that with the common care of the two heads of state, China-Tunisia relations have maintained a rapid and sound development momentum in recent years, which has yielded positive outcomes from practical cooperation in various fields, benefiting the two peoples.
According to their relationship profile, China supports Tunisia’s economic and social development, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and run business in Tunisia. It is therefore hoped that the Tunisian side will provide Chinese enterprises with more preferential policies and security assurances.
During the visit, the foreign minister appreciated Tunisia for supporting the “Belt and Road” initiative, noting that China is willing to combine the “Belt and Road” construction with the implementation of cooperative measures under the frameworks of China-Africa Ten Major Cooperation Plans and China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, which is expected to enhance bilateral strategic integration, so as to realize common development.
In addition, supporting Tunisia’s efforts in safeguarding its stability, China stands ready to increase support to Tunisia’s endeavor in counter-terrorism, and will continuously support Tunisia in playing an important role in advancing the political settlement of the Libyan issue.
According to Khemaies, the Chinese foreign minister, Tunisia cherishes the traditional friendship between Tunisia and China, and appreciates China for providing great support and assistance for a long time. Tunisia staunchly upholds the one-China policy, and will continuously support each other with China on a series of major issues.
On the other hand, the Tunisian side endorsed the “Belt and Road” initiative, and is ready to actively participate in relevant construction. Tunisia welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in Tunisia and participate in the national development process of Tunisia.
The press release further disclosed that Tunisia has released visa-free policy for Chinese citizens to travel to Tunisia since this February, welcoming more Chinese tourists to the country. Appreciating China’s long-term objective and just position on the Libyan issue. It is therefore hoped that China will play a greater role in promoting peaceful settlement of the Libyan issue at an early date. Immediately after the talks, it is reported that the two Foreign Ministers jointly singed the Agreement on the Establishment of the Consultation Mechanism between Chinese and Tunisian Foreign Ministries.
Reporter: Ridwan A. Olayiwola
