Editor's note: Tunisia is an ancient civilization with a long history of friendly exchanges with China. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Adel Elarbi, Tunisian Ambassador to China, shared his views on the achievements and prospects of China-Tunisia cooperation.
Below is the full transcript.
In 2024, the two heads of state jointly announced the establishment of the China-Tunisia strategic partnership. So far, what are the major progresses in the field of culture?
The major progresses in the field of Tunisia-China cultural cooperation since the state visit of H.E. Mr Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia to China on May 31, 2024, are primarily focused on three points related to cultural agreement, Chinese language teaching and the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The strengthening of cultural agreements
In December 2024, Tunisia and China signed new agreements emphasizing curriculum development, teacher training, and cultural competitions like the "Chinese Bridge" initiative, which aims to enhance linguistic and cultural fluency among students in Tunisia. These agreements build on earlier frameworks, such as a 2022 four-year plan focusing on cinema and cultural heritage collaboration. By 2025, these efforts have materialized in activities like calligraphy workshops, hanfu attire showcases and Tai Chi demonstrations, all in an effort to introduce Tunisian audiences to Chinese traditions.
Educational Integration of the Chinese Language in Tunisia
Tunisia has become a regional leader in incorporating Chinese language education. Universities, such as Carthage University's Higher Institute of Languages, now offer structured three-year Chinese language programs aligned with the 5C standards (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities). These programs combine classroom learning with extracurricular activities to deepen cultural understanding. In addition, Chinese has been integrated into school curricula across Tunisia, reflecting broader Arab-world trends. Collaborative projects with Chinese institutions focus on teacher training and pedagogical innovation to support these initiatives.
The celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tunisia and China
In December 2024, a conference was held in Tunis to mark six decades of diplomatic ties, spotlighting themes like civilizational dialogue and educational collaboration. The event underscored Tunisia's role as a cultural bridge between China and the Arab world, with discussions on leveraging smart education technologies and industry-academia partnerships. Follow-up activities in 2025, such as cultural delegations and academic exchanges, have further solidified this partnership.
China has worked with Tunisia in various areas. Could you please share some highlights or progress of the cooperative archaeological programs between the two countries?
The cooperative archaeological programs between Tunisia and China, rooted in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have yielded significant advancements in cultural heritage preservation and bilateral collaboration. A key highlight is the joint excavation projects in Tunisia's historical sites, such as Carthage and Oudhna (Uthina), where Chinese and Tunisian archaeologists employ cutting-edge technologies like 3D scanning and remote sensing to uncover layers of Phoenician, Roman and Islamic history. These efforts align with UNESCO's broader goals for Silk Roads heritage preservation, emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue.
One major achievement is the digital documentation of artifacts, including Roman mosaics and Islamic ceramics, using Chinese-developed AI tools to analyze degradation patterns and enhance conservation strategies. This collaboration has also facilitated exhibitions showcasing Tunisia's ancient heritage in China, such as displays of Carthaginian and Roman relics alongside Chinese Silk Road treasures, fostering public engagement with shared historical narratives.
Academically, the partnership has strengthened through joint research publications and student exchanges, particularly in studying trade routes linking North Africa and Asia. For instance, Tunisian scholars have collaborated with China's National Silk Museum to trace the flow of silk and spices, highlighting Tunisia's role as a Mediterranean hub.
Challenges like funding gaps and logistical complexities have been mitigated through adaptive project management, ensuring resilience amid global disruptions. Future plans include expanding underwater archaeology in Tunisia's coastal regions, leveraging China's expertise in maritime heritage preservation.
This collaboration not only preserves cultural legacies but also reinforces Tunisia-China ties, exemplifying how archaeological cooperation can transcend borders to celebrate humanity's interconnected past.
What are the main contributions of Tunisia to the Mediterranean civilization or the global civilization?
Mediterranean Civilization Contributions
Tunisia's strategic position in the Mediterranean made it a crossroads of civilizations, fostering cultural and economic exchanges. As a hub for Phoenician, Roman, and Islamic empires, it contributed architectural marvels like the El Djem amphitheater (a Roman legacy) and preserved Carthage's heritage, a Phoenician-founded city-state that dominated Mediterranean trade. During the medieval period, Tunisia became a center of the Islamic Mediterranean world, linking North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East through trade and scholarship. Its coastal geography facilitated maritime networks, reinforcing its role as a bridge between cultures.
Global Civilization Contributions
Tunisia's influence extended globally through trade routes connecting the Mediterranean to sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Carthage, as a Phoenician outpost, pioneered trans-Mediterranean commerce, spreading technologies and ideas. Starting from the 7th century, the Arabs introduced Islam in the region and advanced sciences, with Tunisian cities like Kairouan becoming centers of learning, contributing to global Islamic civilization. Additionally, Tunisia's participation in UNESCO-led cultural preservation efforts highlights its role in safeguarding shared human heritage, emphasizing its global cultural diplomacy. These contributions underscore Tunisia's historical role as both a mediator and innovator in cross-continental exchanges.
Furthermore, a great number of enlightened thinkers coming from Tunisia contributed by their ideas to the progress of human civilization. Among these personalities, Ibn Khaldun, a Tunisian Arab Islamic scholar, historian, philosopher, and sociologist. He was widely regarded as a foundational figure in the fields of sociology and history, who lived between the 14th and 15th centuries. Another worth-mentioning personality is Fatima Al-Fihriya, who was born in Kairouan (Tunisia) in 800 and moved to Fez in 857. She was a pious and visionary figure, who emphasized accessible education, particularly for women, and created "Al-Qarawiyyin University" (University of Kairouan's People) in Fez, that is one of the first universities worldwide. This institution became a hub of human sciences, history, and Arab-Islamic culture.
If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.
