Russia Eyes Deeper Cooperation with Tunisia in Olive Oil, Tourism, and Trade
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Russia aims to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia, viewing it as a reliable traditional partner in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Bilateral trade between Russia and Tunisia exceeds $1.8 billion, with a notable increase in Tunisian exports like olive oil to the Russian market.
- Despite the absence of direct flights, Russian tourists are showing renewed interest in Tunisia as a travel destination.
Russia is actively seeking to deepen its strategic partnership with Tunisia, identifying the North African nation as a key ally in the Middle East and North Africa region. Alexander Zolotov, the Russian Ambassador to Tunis, highlighted this strong relationship, emphasizing the continuous growth in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
La Russie considère la Tunisie comme l’un de ses “partenaires traditionnels et fiables” dans la région du Moyen-Orient et de l’Afrique du Nord
During an interview with the TAP agency ahead of the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum," Zolotov revealed that trade exchanges between the two countries have surpassed an impressive $1.8 billion. He specifically noted the rising prominence of Tunisian products, particularly olive oil, in the Russian market. Furthermore, there's a palpable resurgence in interest from Russian tourists eager to visit Tunisia, a positive sign for the nation's vital tourism sector, even in the current absence of direct flights.
The "KazanForum" itself is positioned as a significant platform for fostering economic and geopolitical ties between Russia and the Islamic world. Zolotov underscored Russia's commitment to a "win-win" partnership model, extending this principle to its engagement with African and Muslim nations, including Tunisia. This approach signals a desire for mutually beneficial relationships built on respect and shared economic interests.
le volume des échanges commerciaux entre les deux pays dépasse désormais 1,8 milliard de dollars
From Tunisia's perspective, this enhanced cooperation with Russia offers a valuable avenue for economic diversification and increased trade. The growing Russian market for Tunisian goods, especially agricultural products like olive oil, provides a much-needed boost to local producers. Moreover, the renewed interest in tourism, if facilitated by improved travel connections, could significantly contribute to economic recovery. This strategic alignment with Russia is viewed not just as a commercial opportunity but as a geopolitical statement, reinforcing Tunisia's position as a bridge between continents and cultures, and showcasing its ability to cultivate relationships beyond traditional Western partnerships.
réaffirmant l’attachement de son pays à une coopération fondée sur un partenariat “gagnant-gagnant” avec la Tunisie
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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