The Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs has signed a twinning agreement with the Italian Ministry of Culture, represented by Alfonisino Russo, the General Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome. This agreement was signed during the official visit of the Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, to Tunisia.
The Tunisian Ministry of Culture announced in a statement on Saturday that the twinning agreement involves the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome and the El Jem Palace in Mahdia. The aim is to enhance both sites and facilitate tourist access to the cultural and historical heritage that unites both countries.
The Tunisian Acting Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Cultural Affairs, Moncef Boukthir, stated that the Mediterranean-based civilization has reshaped the geopolitical map of the world, making it essential to establish broader cooperation covering cinema, theater, literature, and festivals. He highlighted the significant Italian presence at the El Jem Symphonic Music Festival as a cornerstone of its programming and called for further collaboration in scientific research on heritage among other areas.
The Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, affirmed his country’s readiness for bilateral cooperation, especially in cultural projects. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural tourism and regarded this agreement as a starting point for further partnerships, specifically mentioning the archaeological sites in Kerkouane and Neapolis. He also appreciated Italy being honored as the guest country at the 38th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair.
The cooperation between Tunisia and Italy in cultural fields has been part of a broader relationship that focuses on enhancing mutual understanding and cultural exchange. This relationship includes various sectors such as education, art, and heritage conservation. The twinning agreements and cultural festivals are a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the cultural ties between the two Mediterranean countries, enriching their respective cultural landscapes and boosting tourism through the appreciation of shared historical and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Tunisia and Italy have cultivated a strong partnership in cultural fields, anchored in shared Mediterranean heritage and mutual interests in promoting arts and education. These collaborations span various domains, including archaeology, education, and cultural tourism. Both countries have engaged in significant archaeological collaborations. Italy supports several archaeological missions in Tunisia, enhancing the research and preservation of shared historical sites.
