Tunisia, a small country located in North Africa, has long been known as a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, according to Türkiye’s ambassador to the country, Ahmet Misbah Demircan, Tunisia is much more than just a holiday spot. In a recent interview, he described Tunisia as a “Mediterranean gateway to Africa,” highlighting the strong ties between the two nations and the potential for further cooperation.
Demircan’s statement comes at a time when Tunisia is making significant strides in its economic and political development. The country has been hailed as a success story of the Arab Spring, with its peaceful transition to democracy and efforts towards economic reform. This has not gone unnoticed by Türkiye, which has been a strong supporter of Tunisia’s democratic journey.
In the interview, Demircan emphasized the close relationship between Türkiye and Tunisia, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire. He stated that Türkiye sees Tunisia as a “sister country” and is committed to strengthening the ties between the two nations. This is evident in the increasing trade and investment between the two countries, with Türkiye being one of Tunisia’s top trading partners.
But it’s not just economic ties that bind these two nations together. Demircan also highlighted the cultural similarities between Türkiye and Tunisia, which have a shared history and heritage. Both countries have a strong Muslim identity and share a love for art, music, and cuisine. This cultural connection has led to a growing interest in Türkiye among Tunisians, with many choosing to study and work in the country.
Moreover, Tunisia’s strategic location makes it a key player in the region. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, the country serves as a bridge between Europe and Africa. This has not gone unnoticed by Türkiye, which sees Tunisia as a potential partner in its efforts to strengthen ties with African countries. Demircan stated that Türkiye sees Tunisia as a “gateway” to the African continent, and is keen on expanding its presence in the region.
In recent years, Türkiye has been actively pursuing a policy of “opening up to Africa,” with the aim of increasing trade and investment with African nations. This has led to the establishment of diplomatic missions in many African countries, including Tunisia. Demircan stated that Türkiye’s embassy in Tunisia is not just a representation of Türkiye, but also serves as a “window” to the African continent.
The ambassador also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between Türkiye and Tunisia. He stated that the two nations share a “brotherhood” and that there is a deep affection and respect for Türkiye among Tunisians. This is evident in the increasing number of Tunisians choosing to visit Türkiye, with over 100,000 Tunisians visiting the country in 2019 alone.
In addition to the strong bilateral ties, Demircan also emphasized the potential for Türkiye and Tunisia to work together on regional and global issues. Both countries share a commitment to peace and stability in the region and have been working closely on issues such as the Syrian crisis and the fight against terrorism.
In conclusion, Demircan’s statement highlights the strong and multifaceted relationship between Türkiye and Tunisia. The two nations share a deep historical and cultural connection, and are committed to strengthening their ties in the economic, political, and cultural spheres. With Tunisia serving as a gateway to Africa, it is clear that the future holds great potential for further cooperation between these two nations.