On March 11, 2025, at the closing of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, Tunisia’s Ambassador to China, Adil Arabi, made significant comments about China’s development and Tunisia-China relations. He stated that the National Two Sessions are not only an important political event but also a platform for summarizing experiences, evaluating achievements, and outlining future blueprints. Arabi highly praised China’s persistent efforts in areas such as opening markets, deepening cultural exchanges, and promoting green economy, emphasizing that China’s development experience is crucial for global progress.
Arabi pointed out that China’s global influence is one of the key reasons for the international attention the Two Sessions attract. This year, more than 3,000 reporters, both domestic and foreign, participated in the coverage of the Two Sessions, which fully reflects the international community’s high level of interest in China’s policies and development. He noted that China is not only an important player in the global economy but also plays a critical role in international affairs, particularly in promoting world peace and stability within the framework of the United Nations.
Regarding the Chinese government’s work report on future development plans, Arabi, as a diplomat, expressed particular interest in China’s economic and political relations with other countries. He highlighted the long-standing friendship between Tunisia and China. As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and China, President Kais Saied of Tunisia is expected to visit China, where the two countries will sign a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership, covering various areas of cooperation. Arabi said, “We look forward to advancing Tunisia-China cooperation to a higher level based on this foundation.”The 2025 Chinese government work report emphasizes the need to promote high-quality and solid development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As a participant in the BRI, Arabi stressed that Tunisia will further implement the cooperation ideas of the Belt and Road, aiming to strengthen collaboration with China in areas such as infrastructure construction, green economy, and artificial intelligence.
Arabi also mentioned that the Belt and Road Initiative not only provides vast cooperation opportunities for participating countries but also aligns with the development needs of these countries. He encouraged more Chinese companies to invest in Tunisia and use the Tunisian market to access broader African, Arab, and European markets, thereby deepening bilateral cooperation.
Arabi concluded with an African proverb widely known across the continent: “One travels fast alone, but together we go far.” He added, “Tunisia and China walking hand in hand will help our people better understand each other’s thinking patterns, ways of acquiring information, and interpretations of history. We learn wisdom from our Chinese friends, and they can also see a different way of thinking through us. By moving forward together, we can achieve greater progress.”