Tunisia-China: Joint declaration on a "strategic partnership
This joint declaration is an eloquent expression of the determination of the leaders of the two countries to give new impetus to bilateral relations between China and Tunisia, towards a better future for the two friendly peoples.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, will pay a state visit to China from May 28 to June 1, 2024.
At the end of a series of talks and consultations on Friday May 31, 2024, the two leaders jointly declared that they were promoting their countries' relations to the level of a "strategic partnership".
This joint declaration is an eloquent expression of the determination of the leaders of the two countries to give new impetus to Sino-Tunisian bilateral relations towards a better future for the two friendly peoples.
It also crowns 60 years of successful diplomatic relations between Tunisia and China (since January 10, 1964).
In this joint declaration, emphasis was placed on a number of aspects and issues of major importance to both parties.
These include strategic issues of common interest, an explicit call to seize the opportunities and chances open to both countries, a new perception and vision of global governance, and unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause.
The climate issue featured strongly in the text of the joint declaration.
Strategic issues of common interest
In the joint declaration, the two sides agree to continue their exchange and ongoing support on issues relating to "fundamental interests" and "common concerns".fundamental interests" and "major concerns" of both countries, in line with the constants of their foreign policies.
In this context, the Tunisian side reiterates its respect for UN resolution 2758 adopted on October 25, 1971, which solemnly enshrines the principle of a "unitary" China, and recognizes that the representativesrepresentatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China are the " sole legitimate representatives " of the whole of China, and that Taiwan " is an integral part of the Chinese territories ".
The resolution supports China in the exercise of its full sovereignty over all its territories, and backs its efforts to preserve the country's unity and the defence of its fundamental interests, while at the same time ensuring that the People's Republic of China's sovereignty is respected.fense of its fundamental interests, just as it supports Beijing's position to counter any form of foreign interference in internal affairs relating to Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
For its part, the Chinese side reaffirms its constant support for the reforms and "sovereign measures" decreed by Tunisia since July 25, 2021, as well as the choices and orientations adopted to promote its financial and economic situation.
In this context, China takes note of the "positive" and "promising" economic indicators in Tunisia, the statement cites.
Furthermore, the Chinese side strongly supports the efforts made by the Tunisian leadership to preserve " Tunisia's sovereignty and the independence of its national decision-making ", as well as " its development programs and plans, and its reforms emanating from the country's economic and social development". velopment programs and plans and its reforms, which stem from the choices of its people " and are in harmony with its " national specificities", just as it categorically rejects "attempts to interfere in its internal affairs."
Commitment to support Chinese initiatives of international scope
In this statement, Tunisia warmly welcomes the global development initiative and the global security and civilization initiatives launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In return, the Chinese side welcomes Tunisia's membership of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, reaffirming the commitment of both parties to work together to consolidate cooperation in the construction of a more prosperous and prosperous world.ration within the framework of the construction of the New Silk Road (also known as the Belt and Road), and thus to derive greater benefit from regional and bilateral projects carried out within the framework of this initiative, and to safeguard the security of these projects.
Opportunity to seize opportunities on all fronts
Also in the context of this statement, the Chinese side reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to support economic and social development in Tunisia, highly praising the friendly and cooperative relations between the Tunisian and Chinese peoples.
In this context, China expresses its full readiness to support Tunisia's efforts to implement " strategic projects ", including in the health and education sectors.including health, infrastructure, energy, transport, scientific research, agriculture and many other areas and sectors covered by agreements between the two parties.
The joint declaration also underlines the two countries' commitment to strengthening the exchange of expertise in the fields of administration and governance, and to stepping up cooperation in the field of parliamentary and local official representative bodies, as well as to expanding "fruitful cooperation " in the fields of education, health and the environment. in the fields of infrastructure, the economy, trade, investment, renewable energies, technology, higher education and scientific research, tourism and other sectors of cultural and human communication, including the promotion of Tunisia as a tourist destination.
The two parties reaffirm their determination to set up joint programs enabling them to benefit from modern technologies in priority sectors such as health, agriculture, water and waste management.agriculture, water resource management, the green economy, the digital economy, industrialization, communication technologies and renewable energies.
Plea for "dialogue forums" as a mechanism for collective cooperation
The two sides highlight the major role of the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum mechanism in consolidating collective cooperation between China and Arab countries, reaffirming their readiness to establish " active cooperation " on the road to realizing the results of the1st Sino-Arab Summit.
They also reaffirmed their shared willingness to uphold the " spirit of Sino-Arab friendship ", and to work "side by side to bring about the realization of the results of the Sino-Arab Summit". work "side by side to build Sino-Arab society for a common future into a new era."
The two sides also welcome the role of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum as a " forum for collective dialogue " between China and African countries, and an effective mechanism for driving forward practical cooperation between them.
In this declaration, the Tunisian side reaffirms its commitment to work with the Chinese side to further support this forum and to raise Sino-African cooperation to a new level.African cooperation to a sustained level of development in order to face common challenges and thus contribute to realizing their aspirations and building a better future for their peoples.
Palestine, an omnipresent cause
In their joint declaration, the two parties condemn the flagrant and manifest violations committed against the Palestinian people, reaffirming the imperative of putting an immediate end to these aggressions and the need for the international community to support the Palestinian people.and calling for a total lifting of the blockade imposed on Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid.
Both parties reaffirm their support for the just cause of the Palestinian people on the road to building their independent, fully sovereign state, and their absolute support for the right of the State of Palestine to full membership of the United Nations.
In the same vein, the declaration highlights the joint action of the two countries to uphold "the common values of humanity", including peace, development, justice, equality, democracy and freedom.quity, democracy and freedom, reaffirming "their attachment to the right of peoples throughout the world to choose their own development policies and social systems, in accordance with their own national conditions."
As such, they unequivocally express their firm opposition to interference in the internal affairs of States under any pretext whatsoever.
Towards a restructuring of global governance
In this joint declaration, the two parties pledge to work towards consolidating coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, advocating "an international system in which theUN occupies a prominent place, and a world order based on "international law, the fundamental rules of international relations centered on the principles and objectives set out in the United Nations Charter."
The two sides also call for a multipolar world centered on equality and regularity, and inclusive, global economic globalization benefiting all.
They also call for the establishment of "new foundations for international relations based on equality, solidarity and equal opportunities and benefits for all without distinction.benefits for all without exception", just as they work together to "build a society of common future for all humanity."
Consideration of global climate issues
In their joint declaration, the two countries reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation with a view to combating climate change and achieving development and food security.
In this regard, both parties underline their support for efforts to combat climate change and guarantee the rights of future generations, reiterating their readiness to support the exchange of expertise between the two countries in environmental administration, and make the most of pioneering practices in the field of new technologies.
Both parties reiterate their shared commitment to working together to achieve the goals of sustainable development and the Agenda 2030, with a focus on economic development based on solidarity and social justice.
Source: lapresse.tn/
