“Relations between Iran and Tunisia are a shining example of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Islamic world, based on shared interests and respect for national sovereignty,” the Iranian foreign minister said in a memo published in Tunisian newspaper Le Temps on Friday.
Tunisia is the cradle of civilization and culture on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, which holds a special place in Iran’s foreign policy, said Araghchi, adding that the relations between the two countries are based on brotherhood, mutual respect, deep religious and cultural commonalities, as well as common international goals.
The relations between Iran and Tunisia have, in recent years, undergone a positive and dynamic transformation driven by strong determination, the top diplomat wrote, saying that the two countries have also developed diplomatic ties over the past six decades in an environment filled with friendship and mutual understanding.
He said that Tehran and Tunis have managed to maintain and strengthen their close relationship even in the most turbulent regional conditions, citing the last year visit of Tunisian President Kais Saied to Iran as an example of the two sides’ determination to enhance their ties.
The historic visit of President Saied to Iran in late May 2024 and his meeting with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei marked “a turning point that opened a new chapter of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, reaffirming their shared determination to strengthen these ties,” said Araghchi.
The top Iranian diplomat also hailed Tunisia for its “decisive and principled stance” as well as “valuable support” for Iran in the face of Israel’s war of aggression in June this year. That stance and support displayed the depth of brotherly ties and unbreakable solidarity between the two nations, he added.
“This support, which was provided within the framework of common principles of resistance against bullying and defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, is deeply appreciated by the government and people of Iran, which showed that Tunisia stands on the side of justice in the face of right and wrong,” he noted.
Araghchi said that Iran and Tunisia have shared similar stances on international developments as well. Rejecting foreign interference in countries’ internal affairs, supporting the Palestinian cause, and countering attempts for normalizing relations with Israel are some of the developments on which Iran and Tunisia have common approaches, he explained.
Although Tehran and Tunis enjoy positive and constructive political ties, they are yet to fully use their vast economic capacities, a goal which requires a strong determination by the two sides to achieve, the foreign minister said, outlining steps that help both countries strengthen their economic relations.
Boosting tourism cooperation through the implementation of reciprocal visa-free travel, establishing direct flights between the two countries, holding new meetings by the joint economic commission, expanding trade in various sectors, and technological cooperation are among the effective measures that can further enhance economic ties between the two nations, the top Iranian diplomat explained, voicing his country’s readiness to use its indigenous technology and technical knowhow to boost bilateral cooperation with Tunisia.
On the cultural front, Araghchi said that Iran and Tunisia can expand cooperation in cinema, music, sports and handicrafts exhibitions, which he said would help strengthen people-to-people ties.
The cultural and religious commonalities shared by the two sides is considered a strong backbone in this regard, he added.
The foreign minister concluded his memo by reciting a part of a poem by renowned Tunisian poet Aboul-Qacem Echebbi that emphasized the strength of the determination of a nation when it decides to remove obstacles in its way to achieve its goals.
He congratulated the Tunisian national football team on securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup and wished them continued success.
IRNA