TUNIS, Tunisia

Türkiye’s ambassador to Tunisia underscored the significance of economic and cultural ties in shaping bilateral relationships.

In an interview with Anadolu, Ahmet Misbah Demircan underlined the pivotal role of economic cooperation and cultural exchange in fostering strong ties between the two nations.

"When discussing relations with a country, the pillars are primarily economic, followed by culture," he stated, emphasizing the importance of investment and trade relations as indicators of the strength of bilateral ties.

Before assuming his duties in Tunisia, Demircan said that he engaged in many discussions with Turkish industrialists and traders, signaling Türkiye's eagerness to collaborate with their Tunisian counterparts.

"I met with (representatives of) 400 Turkish companies in Türkiye. Shortly after starting my duty in Tunisia, I conveyed this to Tunisian business people as well. I told them that Turkish industrialists and merchants want to work with Tunisians and want to invest in Tunisia. Investing in trade and industry means commercial activity and integration."

Demircan said his contacts with business people in Tunisia were aimed at promoting investments and mutual collaboration between the two countries.

"Tunisia is a gateway to the Arab world and Africa. We need to examine investment opportunities in Tunisia practically, from the perspective of opportunities in Tunisia, and from the perspective of opportunities presented by Tunisia's relations with Africa.

“Because Tunisia is not just Tunisia; it's also an important country with relations with Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and African countries, serving as a transit point."

Many business opportunities in Tunisia

Shortly after assuming office in Tunisia, Demircan wasted no time in fostering ties and organizing an iftar program at the Turkish Embassy in Tunis to introduce Turkish and Tunisian business communities, according to the envoy.

The event, attended by representatives from 106 Tunisian companies and numerous Turkish firms, aimed to promote mutual understanding and explore avenues for trade expansion, he added. “Activities aimed at facilitating business people to meet each other, encouraging partnerships and collaborations in business and investment opportunities, and promoting commercial growth are crucial.”

“In addition to the good relations between Tunisia and Türkiye, there is also visa exemption, which is a significant advantage for trade. There are many business opportunities in Tunisia, and there is a need to build bridges between business people and companies to capitalize on them.”

Meanwhile, he emphasized the role of cultural and art activities in enriching bilateral relations.

The ambassador, stating that both Turkish and Tunisian societies are culturally inspired by different civilizations, said that the common characteristic of both countries is their openness to other civilizations, which contributes to the increase in cultural richness.

In addition to economic cooperation, Demircan noted the growing collaboration in education between Türkiye and Tunisia, highlighting the increasing number of Tunisian students pursuing higher education in Türkiye.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan