ISLAMABAD: Tunisian Charge d’ Affaires (CdA) Ms Dorasaf Maaroufi has reminded of strong historical ties between Pakistan and Tunisia, especially Pakistan’s support for it at the United Nations.
She was speaking at an event to celebrate 70th anniversary of Tunisia’s independence at the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), held in collaboration with Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR).
Ms Maaroufi noted that this celebration reflects continued commitment to stronger relations between the two countries. She emphasised boosting trade through the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), expanding cultural and tourism links, and strengthening people to people connections. The charge d’ affaires highlighted Tunisia’s organic olive oil expertise as a key area for cooperation.
“We are focused on people-to-people connections and Tunisia looks forward to enhancing its relationship with Pakistan,” she said, adding Tunisia offers Pakistan a partnership through the olive oil trade which can further be leveraged by the PTA.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted that the 70th anniversary of Tunisia’s independence reflects the resilience and determination of the Tunisian people. He noted that Pakistan and Tunisia share a historic bond rooted in Pakistan’s support for Tunisia’s self-determination, which has evolved into growing economic and commercial cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957.
He emphasised that while bilateral trade remains modest, there was strong potential to expand it in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing, supported by institutional mechanisms like the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations, and by leveraging opportunities under African Continental Free Trade Area.
Dr Amina Khan said that the 70th Independence Day of Tunisia was a moment that celebrates the resilience, determination, and forward-looking spirit of the Tunisian people in shaping their sovereign future. “Tunisia’s journey is not only one of political independence, but also of continuous economic transformation and development.”
She also highlighted that since last year, CAMEA, under Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy, has taken the initiative to regularly celebrate the national days of African countries.Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, praising Tunisia’s resilience and leadership, called for stronger trade, education, and cultural exchanges, advocating deeper people-to-people and business linkages. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Africa, emphasising that the future belongs to the Global South.
“Tunisia plays a leading role in African politics and Pakistan was one of the first countries to support Tunisia’s independence. The PLO was given sanctuary in Tunisia in the 1990s and like Pakistan, Tunisia is also a strong supporter of Palestine.
Both countries enjoy warm relations and there are immense opportunities to enhance trade and cooperation in various fields. The time has come to take this relationship forward as both countries are a part of the Global South.” He added.
Ambassador Javed Umrani said Pakistan and Tunisia continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, with trade showing a positive upward trajectory. “Business communities and chambers of commerce on both sides have been actively engaged in fostering closer economic ties, including a 17-member delegation that visited Tunisia last year, where productive meetings were held with counterparts and several MoUs were signed,” he said.
Ammad Rasheed said they were actively working to further deepen bilateral ties, particularly in the fields of trade, tourism and cultural exchange. “Over the past few years, efforts in Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have focused on building bridges connecting business communities and creating awareness about Tunisia as a gateway to Europe and Africa,” he added.
Mohammad Hameed said Tunisia and Pakistan have a great relationship and it must be taken forward in areas like textiles and, therefore, it was important that the trade agreement gets through as it will provide more opportunities for cooperation.
