China's "Two Sessions" Conclude, Tunisian Ambassador Praises China's Development and Global Influence
China's annual "two sessions," a crucial political event that shapes the country's policy direction, concluded on Tuesday in Beijing. In an exclusive interview with China News Network, Tunisian Ambassador to China, Adel Elarbi, highlighted the event's significance as a platform for "exchanging evaluation and making provisions for the future."
Elarbi commended China's efforts in opening its market, deepening cultural exchanges, and promoting a green economy. He emphasized the importance of China's development experience for global progress. Noting the presence of over 3,000 domestic and foreign journalists covering the event, Elarbi attributed the global attention to China's growing influence on the international stage.
"China is a very important actor in the international world," he stated. "Everybody knows the political and the economic importance of such a country, and the role that China can play in making the balance in international relations, and also in peace, in stability and development in the world."
A Longstanding Friendship and Strategic Partnership
Elarbi expressed particular interest in China's economic and political relations with other countries, highlighting the long-standing friendship between Tunisia and China. He noted the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2024, marked by Tunisian President Kais Saied's visit to China and the signing of a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership covering multiple areas of cooperation.
"We are looking for promoting more cooperation at a higher level, at a strategic level," the ambassador stated.
Opportunities for Cooperation and Shared Prosperity
Elarbi emphasized Tunisia's interest in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) values, particularly in infrastructure construction, green economy, and science and technology. He believes the BRI not only provides cooperation opportunities for participating countries but also "meets the aspirations of their people."
He encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Tunisia and utilize its market as a gateway to the broader African, Arab, and European Union markets, further advancing bilateral cooperation.
Collaboration and Shared Learning for Progress
Elarbi concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared learning for progress. He quoted a widely circulated African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," to illustrate the value of collaboration and mutual learning.
"If we walk together, we can discover more," he stated. "We can learn from each other – the way of approaching things, approaching information, and approaching history. I can learn from my Chinese friends, and the Chinese friends can see another way of thinking from me. So we can progress more.
5 Comments
Martin L King
“Tunisia should be wary of getting too close to China. China doesn't always respect human rights and democratic values.”
Rolihlahla
“Tunisia’s strategic partnership with China will benefit both countries and help promote stability and development in the region.”
G P Floyd Jr
“The two sessions are just a show. They are used to legitimize the Communist Party's rule and silence any dissent.”
Rolihlahla
“The Belt and Road Initiative seems like a debt trap for developing countries. China is using it to expand its power and influence.”
KittyKat
“Tunisia and China setting a great example of collaboration and partnership. This is how we can achieve shared prosperity and a better future for everyone.”