70th Anniversary of Tunisian-Russian Diplomatic Relations: A Favorable Balance Sheet
The 70th anniversary of Tunisian-Russian diplomatic relations, celebrated on Saturday, July 11, provided an opportunity for a highly favorable assessment of cooperation between the two countries. Invited by the Tunisian-Russian Friendship Association, Consul Vladimir Khatountsev announced a significant increase in trade exchanges over the past few years, with a volume of nearly $1.8 billion, placing Tunisia among the top five African partners considered strategic by Moscow.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The cooperation between Tunisia and Russia covers several key areas, including:
- Hydrocarbons: Russia continues to supply Tunisia with refined petroleum products.
- Cereals: Russia also supplies Tunisia with soft wheat and barley.
- Health: An agreement signed a few months ago has laid the foundation for a medical and pharmaceutical technology exchange.
- Tourism: Tunisia remains a popular destination for Russian vacationers.
Educational Exchanges
The academic sector is also thriving, with:
- Scholarships: Moscow awards 80 scholarships to Tunisian students and researchers each year.
- Russian language and culture: Approximately 1,000 Tunisian students are studying medicine, engineering, or technology in Russian institutions.
- Support for Tunisian schools and universities: The Russkiy Mir foundation has allocated funds to equip Tunisian schools and universities with computers, books, and furniture, aiming to promote the learning of the Russian language in Tunisia.
