Foreign relations of Tunisia
Former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has maintained Tunisia's long-time policy of seeking good relations with the West, while playing an active role in Arab and African regional bodies. President Habib Bourguiba took a nonaligned stance but emphasized close relations with Europe, Pakistan, and the United States.
Africa portal Politics portal |
Bilateral relations
Africa
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Algeria | See Algeria–Tunisia relations
Tunisia and Algeria resolved a longstanding border dispute in 1993 and have cooperated in the construction of the Trans-Mediterranean natural gas pipeline through Tunisia that connects Algeria to Italy. In 2003 Tunisia and Algeria formed Numhyd, a petroleum company to develop oil resources. It is jointly owned (each 50%) by government corporations, Algeria's Sonatrach and Tunisia's Entreprise Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières (ETAP). Recently Tunisia signed an agreement with Algeria in order to demarcate more exactly the maritime frontier between the two countries. | |
Benin | 18 January 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1967 when Tunisian Ambassador to Dahomey, with residence in Abidjan, Mr. Mehiri Abdeljelil, has presented his credentials to General Soglo.[1] |
Botswana | 11 November 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 November 1992[2] |
Cameroon | 18 February 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 February 1961[3] |
Chad | 25 January 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 1968[4] |
Comoros |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations.[5] | |
Egypt | 1956[6] | See Egypt–Tunisia relations
In the 1950s the President of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba, criticized on pragmatic grounds the type of Arab nationalism then promoted by Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, which was a widely popular ideology at the time in the Arabic-speaking countries. Their disagreement also concerned the policies of the Arab League. Bourguiba and Nassar eventually came to find some common ground.[7] Although ties were broken under Nasser, and again under Anwar Sadat, on the whole relations between Egypt and Tunisia have remained mutually beneficial. After the Tunisian revolution in 2011, the Tunisian-Egyptian relations were very good, especially after the 2011 elections in Tunisia, where won the Ennahda Movement Islamic-oriented the elections, as well as the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Egypt won the elections, and also the convergence between the two presidents Moncef Marzouki and Mohamed Morsi. But since the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état, relations became increasingly strained, and between the two and considered Tunisia that what is happening in Egypt is a military coup d'État bloody and protested against it in the United Nations, which led to a diplomatic crisis in relations severed in an indirect way and there is a lack of official visits at all levels. After the 2014 elections in Tunisia and the win of Nidaa Tounes's secular movement, improved relations and exchanged visits between officials and ministers.
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Eritrea | 25 October 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 October 1993[8] |
Ethiopia | 31 July 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 July 1962[9] |
Gabon | 10 July 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1971 when the first Ambassador of Tunisia to Gabon M. Abdel Hamid Ammar, presented his letters of credentials to President Albert - Bernard Bongo.[10] |
Ghana | 11 June 1958 | Both countries established diplomatic reklations on 11 June 1958[11] |
Guinea | 30 June 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 June 1962[12] |
Ivory Coast | 1965[6] |
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Kenya | 26 November 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1968[13] |
Lesotho | 1 December 2000 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 2000[14] |
Libya | See Libya–Tunisia relations
Tunisia's relations with Libya have been erratic since Tunisia annulled a brief agreement to form a union in 1974. Diplomatic relations were broken in 1976, restored in 1977, and deteriorated again in 1980, when Libyan-trained rebels attempted to seize the town of Gafsa. In 1982, the International Court of Justice ruled in Libya's favor in the partition of the oil-rich continental shelf it shares with Tunisia. Libya's 1985 expulsion of Tunisian workers and military threats led Tunisia to sever relations. Relations were normalized again in 1987. While supporting the United Nations sanctions imposed following airline bombings, Tunisia has been careful to maintain positive relations with its neighbor. Tunisia supported the lifting of UN sanctions against Libya in 2003, and Libya is again becoming a major trading partner. Currently, Tunisia has a maritime dispute with Libya. | |
Madagascar | 12 March 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 March 1969.[15] |
Malawi | 3 May 2017 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 2017 when Ambassador of Malawi with residence in Cairo Mrs. Caroline Sakina Bwanali-Mussa, has presented his credentials to President of Tunisia Béji Caïd Essebsi.[16] |
Mali | 1963[6] |
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Mauritania |
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Morocco | 1956[6] |
Trade is increasing between Tunisia and Morocco. Direct maritime shipping commenced between the two countries in 2008 to supplement rail connections that remained uncertain. Also, the stock exchanges of Tunis and Casablanca this year began to jointly list the stock of a Maghriban company, this initial case involving an IPO.[17]
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Namibia | 23 March 1990 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 March 1990.[18]
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Nigeria | 15 January 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1970[19]
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Senegal | 1962[6] |
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Seychelles | 25 August 1986 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1986[20] |
South Africa |
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Sudan | 1958[6] |
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Tanzania | 2 December 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 December 1968[21] |
Uganda | 9 December 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 December 1968[22] |
Americas
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Argentina | 11 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 1961[23]
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Belize |
Both countries have passed a number of bilateral agreements.[24] | |
Bolivia | 24 July 2012 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 July 2012 when Ambassador of Bolivia to Tunisia (Resident in Paris) Mr. Jean Paul Guevara Avila presented his credentials to President Moncef Marzuki.[25] |
Brazil | 1956 |
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Canada | 9 September 1957 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 September 1957[26] |
Costa Rica | 15 October 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1973[27] |
Cuba |
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Dominican Republic | 27 September 2018 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 2018[28] |
El Salvador | 14 March 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 March 2007[29] |
Guatemala | 19 March 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 2007[30] |
Mexico | 16 November 1961 | See Mexico–Tunisia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 November 1961[31] |
Nicaragua | 2 July 2019 |
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Panama | 15 June 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 June 2007[35] |
Paraguay | 1 November 2018 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 2018[36] |
United States | 6 June 1956 | See Tunisia–United States relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 June 1956[37] The United States has very good relations with Tunisia, which date back more than 200 years. The United States has maintained official representation in Tunis almost continuously since 1795, and the American Friendship Treaty with Tunisia was signed in 1799. The two governments are not linked by security treaties, but relations have been close since Tunisia's independence. The United States and Tunisia have an active schedule of joint military exercises. U.S. security assistance historically has played an important role in cementing relations. The U.S.-Tunisian Joint Military Commission meets annually to discuss military cooperation, Tunisia's defense modernization program, and other security matters. Since 2015, Tunisia and the United States are partners under the Major non-NATO partnership agreement.
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Venezuela | 26 March 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1965[38] |
Asia
Tunisia has long been a voice for moderation and realism in the Middle East. Tunisia served as the headquarters of the Arab League from 1979 to 1990 and hosted the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) headquarters from 1982 to 1993, when the PLO Executive Committee relocated to Jericho and the Palestinian Authority was established after the signing of the Oslo Accords. The PLO Political Department remains in Tunis.
Tunisia consistently has played a moderating role in the negotiations for a comprehensive Middle East peace. In 1993, Tunisia was the first Arab country to host an official Israeli delegation as part of the Middle East peace process and maintained an Interests Section until the outbreak in 2000 of the Intifada. Israeli citizens of Tunisian descent may travel to Tunisia on their Israeli passports.
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Armenia | 15 July 2002 |
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Azerbaijan | 1 July 1998 | See Azerbaijan-Tunisia relations
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Brunei Darussalam | 1 May 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 May 1990[41] |
China | 10 January 1964 | See China–Tunisia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1964[42] |
India | See India–Tunisia relations
| |
Iran | See Iran–Tunisia relations
In May, 2005, Tunisia signed with Iran an agreement for cooperation in air, sea, and road transportation. It was signed on the visit of Tunisian minister Abderrahim Zouari to Iran.[43]
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Israel | See Israel–Tunisia relations
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Japan |
Tunisia and Japan have a visa agreement, Tunisian people traveling to Japan and Japanese people traveling to Tunisia do not need a visa, as long as their stay do not exceed 3 months. Japan also supports Tunisia, with equipment and money donations. Both countries had friendly relations since Tunisia's independence in 1956. Since 2015, Tunisia and Japan are allies under the Major non-NATO ally agreement.
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Kuwait | 24 June 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1962.[44] |
Lebanon |
Tunisia and Lebanon share historical and civilizational ties. In June, 2010, the Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi and his Lebanese counterpart Mr. Saad Hariri chaired a Tunisian-Lebanese working session. Both countries want to energize the process for the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. In addition, Tunisia reaffirmed its support of Lebanon.[45]
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Pakistan | 19 August 1957 | See Pakistan–Tunisia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 August 1957[46]
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Qatar | See Qatar–Tunisia relations
Qatar is among the largest Arab investors in Tunisia.[47] Relations between Qatar and Tunisia improved immensely between 2011 and 2013, when Ennahda Movement-affiliated candidate Hamadi Jebali was declared Prime Minister of Tunisia in the 2011 Tunisian Constituent Assembly elections. Cooperation in all fields gradually started picking up traction; for instance, the two governments signed ten bilateral agreements in 2012.[48]
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Saudi Arabia | See Saudi Arabia–Tunisia relations
In July 2010, a Tunisian-Saudi non-double taxation agreement was signed in Tunis, by Finance Minister Ridha Chalghoum and his Saudi counterpart Ibrahim Bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf. The two ministers said this convention will certainly help boost trade exchanges between Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, stimulate investments, and favour exchange of expertise between the two countries. In particular, it will further the Tunisian-Saudi Investment and Development Bank "STUSID Bank" in developing financial co-operation and the contribution of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to boost the development process in Tunisia. The minister highlighted the importance of drawing on the two countries' expertise in the tax and customs field and set up a joint action plan to strengthen co-operation.[49] | |
South Korea | March 1969 |
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Sri Lanka | 19 September 1988 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 September 1988.[50] |
Syria | 2 June 1956 |
Both countries establishged diplomatic relations on 2 June 1956.[51] The 11th session of the Tunisian-Syrian High Joint Committee met in Tunis in May 2010. The two countries share experience and information on such issues as housing, shipping, and tourism.[52]
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Turkey | 1956[56] | See Tunisia–Turkey relations |
United Arab Emirates |
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Europe
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Albania |
Both countries have a number of bilateral agreements.[59][60] Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. | |
Andorra | 20 November 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 November 2006[61] |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30 October 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1992[62] |
Bulgaria | 1956 |
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Croatia | 1993-01-30 |
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Cyprus | 1999 |
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Denmark |
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Finland | 17 July 1959 |
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France | See France–Tunisia relations
Tunisia and France retain a special relationship due to their history, geographic location, and economic relationship. In France there is a sizeable Tunisian diaspora, and the French language is widely used in Tunisia. Business and government connections are extensive and mutually maintained. Ranked by country, France receives the largest amount of Tunisian exports, and France is number-one regarding Tunisian imports also. In recent years many French companies have re-localized production to Tunisia. | |
Germany |
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Greece | See Greece–Tunisia relations
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Ireland | 16 January 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 January 1975[66] |
Italy | See Italy–Tunisia relations | |
Malta | 21 December 1967 |
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Moldova | 27 September 2004 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 2004[68] |
North Macedonia | 27 September 2019 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 2019[69] |
Poland |
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Romania | 1963 |
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Russia | 1956 | See Russia–Tunisia relations
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Serbia |
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Spain | See Spain–Tunisia relations
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Sweden | See Sweden–Tunisia relations
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United Kingdom |
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Foreign Ambassadors
- Farid Abboud, Lebanese Ambassador to Tunisia (2007–2013)
- Jacob Walles, American Ambassador to Tunisia (2012–2016) Preceded by Daniel Rubinstein[73]
Notes
Footnotes
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- Chronologie Internationale (in French). France. Direction de la documentation. 1961. p. 190.
- Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa, Issues 2659-2700. British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service. 1968. p. 4.
- "Relations Tunisie - Union des Comores". www.diplomatie.gov.tn. Archived from the original on 2017-08-21.
- "Relations bilatérales" (in French). Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- Jacques Baulin, The Arab role in Africa (Penguin 1962) at 118-128.
- Eritrea Update. Provisional Government of Eritrea (EPLF), Mission to the USA and Canada. 1992. p. 3. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts Issues 148-149. United States. Central Intelligence Agency. 1962. p. 13. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
- Jeune Afrique - Issues 548-560 (in French). Presse africaine associée. 1971. p. 66.
- Awakening Africa - Volume 1. Bureau of African Affairs. 1962. p. 113.
- Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts Issues 130-131. United States. Central Intelligence Agency. 1962. p. 9. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- Maghreb: Documents: Algérie, Maroc, Tunisie, Issues 31-35 (in French). Centre d'étude des relations internationales (France). Section Afrique du nord, France. Direction de la documentation. 1969. p. 26.
- "Diplomatic relations between Lesotho and Tunisia as of 1 Dec. 2000". digitallibrary.un.org. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ARR: Arab Report and Record. Economic Features, Limited. 1969. p. 104.
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- "Chronologies Dans Monde Arabe 1990/2 (N°128)". La Documentation française (in French). p. 72. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- Record of the Arab World Yearbook of Arab and Israeli Politics. Research and Publishing House. 1970. p. 543.
- "Chronologies Dans Monde Arabe 1986/4 (N°114)". La Documentation française (in French). Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- Maghreb: Documents: Algérie, Maroc, Tunisie - Issues 31-35 (in French). Centre d'étude des relations internationales (France). Section Afrique du nord, France. Direction de la documentation. 1969. p. 27.
- Maghreb: Documents: Algérie, Maroc, Tunisie - Issues 31-35 (in French). Centre d'étude des relations internationales (France). Section Afrique du nord, France. Direction de la documentation. 1969. p. 27.
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