Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is making a working visit to Tunisia on December 20 and 21, 2023, at the invitation of his counterpart, Nabil Ammar, local media reported.
Citing a press release from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the “webmanagercenter” site specifies that this visit aims to strengthen political consultations and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to August 11, 1956, after the Soviet Union recognized Tunisia’s independence.
As part of the efforts undertaken by the two countries to consolidate cooperative relations, a joint commission was created. The latter held its 7th session, from April 24 to 26, 2019, in Tunis, according to the same media.
The volume of Tunisian imports from Russia during the first ten months of 2023 increased by 67.3% compared to 2022.
The main products imported from Russia are crude oil, liquefied natural gas, grains and fertilizers, while the main products exported to Russia are fruits and vegetables, manufactured goods, and agricultural products.
Furthermore, Tunisia welcomed, until the end of October 2023, some 21,506 Russian tourists, according to figures from the National Tourism Office, notes the Tunisian media.
The situation in Gaza will also be discussed by the two officials during this visit, according to the same press release.
