ISTANBUL

China and Tunisia Friday elevated bilateral ties to establish a “strategic partnership” as the two nations marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

It was announced during a bilateral meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Tunisian President Kais Saied, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on X.

Xi hosted Saied in Beijing after the Tunisian leader attended the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday.

“The two sides, always enjoying mutual respect and mutual support as equals, have written a vivid chapter of developing countries sticking together and helping each other through thick and thin,” Xi said in his comments during the meeting.