Tunisian President Kais Saied and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed their opposition on Monday to any interference in the internal affairs of countries under the pretext of human rights and democracy.
During their talks, Saied expressed his appreciation for the governance philosophy adopted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, praising China’s significant achievements in promoting Chinese-style modernization and the fruitful results of 60 years of Tunisian Chinese relations and practical cooperation.
Saied stated, “Despite the geographical distance between Tunisia and China, our friendship is strong, and our peoples are close to each other.” He thanked China for its long-term and valuable support in helping Tunisia develop and improve the lives of its people.
He also affirmed that Tunisia will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, learn from China’s successful experience, and enhance modernization with Tunisian characteristics.
Tunisia remains committed to the One-China principle and adheres to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, supporting China’s sovereignty over its entire territory.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago, Sino-Tunisian relations have withstood the test of an evolving international landscape, maintaining healthy and stable development. The most important experience, he said, is mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual respect and equal treatment.
Wang thanked Tunisia for its support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns. He affirmed China’s strong support for Tunisia in protecting its sovereignty, independence, and national dignity, and in independently pursuing its development path and national reform process.
“We are ready to enhance mutual political trust between the two sides, deepen cooperation in various fields, and accelerate development and rejuvenation in both countries,” Wang stated.
He mentioned that the world today suffers from uncertainty, instability, and the prevalence of unilateralism and power politics. China opposes any party imposing its own values, reshaping countries according to any party’s standards, and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of human rights and democracy.
China is ready to strengthen unity and coordination with Tunisia for the joint implementation of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, promoting economic globalization characterized by multi-polarity, inclusiveness, and organized global equality.
Saied stated that the history of colonialism cannot be repeated, and the world cannot return to unipolar dominance. Tunisia opposes double standards and intervention in other countries’ internal affairs under the guise of democracy and human rights.
“President Xi’s series of important global initiatives demonstrate China’s cultural heritage and global vision,” said Saied, expressing his readiness to work with China and other developing countries to protect the common values of humanity, defend international equity and justice, and build a community with a shared future.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other issues.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar.
