Tunis, May 31 (TAP) - The Republic of Tunisia and the People's Republic of China have issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.
This statement follows extensive and constructive talks held on Friday between Tunisian President Kais Saied and Chinese President Xi Jinping to forge a strategic partnership that would revitalise relations for a better future for the Tunisian and Chinese peoples.
The Tunisian and Chinese sides agreed to "continue to exchange firm support on issues related to the core interests and major concerns of both countries, in line with the principles of their foreign policies."
Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted on October 25, 1971, which enshrines the "One China" principle, recognises the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China, and recognises Taiwan as an inseparable part of Chinese territory.
Tunisia supports China's sovereignty over its entire territory and its efforts to achieve national unity and defend its core interests, including China's stance against any foreign interference in Hong Kong and Xinjiang affairs.
In return, China firmly supports the reforms and sovereign measures taken by Tunisia since July 25, 2021 and the paths chosen to develop its financial and economic status.
China welcomes the promising economic indicators in Tunisia and firmly supports the Tunisian leadership's efforts to uphold sovereignty, independent national decision-making and development plans based on people's choices and national characteristics. China categorically opposes any foreign interference in Tunisia's internal affairs.
Tunisia welcomed President Xi Jinping's proposals on the global development initiative, the global security initiative and the global civilisation initiative.
For its part, China welcomed Tunisia's accession to the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative. The two sides will work together to enhance cooperation in building a high-quality Belt and Road Initiative, make use of regional and bilateral projects under this framework, and ensure the integrity of these projects.
China reiterated its commitment to continue supporting Tunisia's economic and social development, and valued the friendly and cooperative relations between the Tunisian and Chinese peoples.
China expressed its willingness to assist Tunisia in implementing strategic projects, especially in health, infrastructure, energy, transportation, scientific research and agriculture, among other agreed sectors.
The third point of the joint statement noted that the two countries agreed to strengthen the exchange of expertise in governance and administration, deepen the exchanges of parliamentary and local representative bodies, and expand fruitful cooperation in infrastructure, economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, technology, higher education, scientific research, tourism and other areas of cultural and people-to-people communication, including support for Tunisia's tourism sector.
Both sides underlined their commitment to develop joint programmes to harness modern technology in priority areas such as health, agriculture, water resources management, the green economy, the digital economy, manufacturing, communications technology and renewable energy.
Acknowledging the important role of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in enhancing collective cooperation between China and Arab countries, the two sides expressed their willingness to actively work together to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab Summit, consolidate the spirit of China-Arab friendship and build a community of shared future for China and the Arab states in a new era.
Both sides praised the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an important platform for collective dialogue between China and African countries and an effective mechanism for promoting practical cooperation.
Tunisia reiterated willingness to work with China to further strengthen the Forum and raise the level of China-Africa sustainable development cooperation to address common challenges and realise aspirations for a better future.
The joint statement also condemned the blatant violations against the Palestinian people and called for an immediate halt to these attacks and a complete lifting of the blockade on Gaza to ensure the delivery of food and medical aid.
They supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in their struggle for an independent, sovereign state and supported Palestine's full membership of the United Nations.
The statement underlined the efforts of both countries to uphold the common human values of peace, development, justice, equity, democracy and freedom, reaffirming the right of peoples to choose development policies and social systems appropriate to their national circumstances and opposing interference in the internal affairs of States under any pretext.
The two sides pledged to strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, defending an international system centered on the United Nations and an international order based on international law and the fundamental principles of international relations enshrined in the UN Charter.
They called for a multipolar world characterised by equality, inclusiveness and economic globalisation for the benefit of all
They also advocated a new foundation of international relations based on equality, solidarity, equal opportunity and mutual benefit without exception, working together to build a community with a shared future for all humanity.
The seventh point of the joint statement underlined the commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation to combat climate change, achieve green development and ensure food security. Both sides expressed their support for joint efforts to address climate change while safeguarding the rights of future generations, and promoted the exchange of expertise in environmental management, drawing on China's pioneering experience in developing new technologies and accelerating energy transition.
The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda, while enhancing the role of economic development based on solidarity and social justice.
The statement underlines the historic and strong friendship between Tunisia and China, which has been constantly developing since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 10, 1964.
This partnership is based on the commitment of the two leaderships to further consolidate a tradition of consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest, and to strengthen cooperation, exchanges and partnership in areas of mutual interest through new visions and effective mechanisms based on the principles of respect for sovereign decisions, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs and equal bilateral relations.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and China, President Kais Saied is making a state visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
English: Ahmed Gaddeh