Maghreb place: trade turnover between Russia and Tunisia may exceed $2 bln

The trade turnover between Russia and Tunisia may exceed $2 billion, the Russian Embassy in Tunisia told Izvestia. The diplomatic mission noted that Russia is increasing exports to the Arab country, and the issue of transition to national currencies in mutual settlements is being discussed. In addition, the parties are talking about increasing the frequency of charter flights. What are the relations between the two countries in the political sphere and how Russian diplomacy works in the Maghreb countries - in the exclusive material of "Izvestia".

Economic ties between Russia and Tunisia

The bilateral turnover at the end of 2023 is close to the mark of $2 billion, Russian diplomats reported.

- There is every reason to expect that this impressive figure will be exceeded," the Russian Embassy in Tunis added.

The Russian and Tunisian sides believe that the countries have great potential to stimulate relations in the sphere of trade. Now the transition to national currencies in mutual settlements between the countries is being discussed, the Russian diplomatic mission noted.

- Of course, this issue is being discussed. However, financial affairs require a particularly thorough elaboration. And the steady increase in the volume of Russian exports here is a clear confirmation that everything is well with mutual settlements, - said the embassy.

The eighth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation will be held in Moscow on November 27-29.

- Preparations for it are underway with the aim of agreeing on a package of specific agreements in agriculture, transport, energy and a number of other areas, - said the diplomatic mission.

Tunisia is showing increased interest in cooperation with Russia in the food sector. Supplies of Russian grain, including wheat and barley, to the Arab country are gradually growing. Expansion of shipment volumes was discussed at a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar in Moscow in September 2023.

Tourism in Tunisia

Relations in the sphere of tourism between Russia and Tunisia have been developing for several decades. The Republic attracts Russians with its warm climate, developed infrastructure, affordable prices and rich cultural heritage.

- Tunisia has traditionally been among the popular vacation destinations in the world. This country, where Russia has the kindest feelings for Russia, stands out for its rich historical heritage, original culture, good quality of recreational infrastructure, - said the embassy, noting that this year the country has already been visited by tens of thousands of Russian tourists.

However, the diplomatic mission noted that the relatively small number of charter flights between the countries remains a limiting factor for the development of this direction.

- We are working on increasing the frequency of flights. We hope that the relevant agreements will be reached and in the next tourist season Russians will be seen here more often, - said the embassy.

In the fall, direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Tunisia were resumed by the airline Nouvelair Tunisie. The cost of a one-way flight is from 80 thousand rubles. For Russian citizens there is a visa-free regime for up to 90 days.

Political relations between Russia and Tunisia

From a geopolitical point of view, the Russian Federation is interested in interaction with the Republic of Tunisia due to the belonging of this country to two important regional complexes - the Arab world and the Mediterranean.

The countries share common approaches to such fundamental issues as the formation of a multipolar world order, ensuring the central role of the United Nations in the system of international relations, the inadmissibility of using force without the authorization of the UN Security Council and non-interference in internal affairs.

- Political and business contacts are of a rhythmic nature. This is quite natural, given the long experience of fruitful cooperation. Tunisia welcomes Russia's turn towards Africa and demonstrates openness to expanding mutually beneficial ties," the embassy said.

Tunisia sees Russia as an influential power, including in the Middle East and North Africa. The republic's foreign policy ties are balanced.

- Our relations with Russia have existed for a long time, since the times of the Soviet Union. Tunisia has pursued a policy of non-alignment since its independence and has balanced relations with both the West and the East," Tunisian political scientist Mourad Alyala told Izvestia.

Tunisia represents a gateway to Africa. The country does not support bloc thinking and has an exceptional strategic location, says former Tunisian diplomat Abdallah Al-Abidi. In his opinion, Russia is interested in the stability of the Republic of Tunisia, as Moscow has close and strategic relations with Algeria, Tunisia's neighbor and even ally.

Tunisia took part in the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in 2023, and in early November the country was represented in Sochi at the first ministerial conference in this format of interaction.

The eastern direction of Tunisia's foreign policy becomes especially relevant in light of its complicated relationship with the International Monetary Fund. The country's economy is facing financial problems, in connection with which the Tunisian authorities and the IMF leaders in October 2022 agreed on a loan. Its disbursement was supposed to be subject to the fulfillment of several conditions: they pledged to adopt a set of measures in which the government will seek to reduce public spending to address the budget deficit, reform taxation and make changes in the management of state-owned companies. The IMF later suspended consideration of the loan because the Tunisian authorities failed to fulfill the terms of the agreement. The country's President Qais Said said that diktat by the IMF is unacceptable, and the demands made by the organization will lead to the impoverishment of the population.

Maghreb in Russian foreign policy

Russian diplomacy in the Maghreb (the part of North Africa that includes Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania) is based on Moscow's strategic interests related to energy, trade and economic cooperation, security and expanding its influence on the African continent as a whole.

The Maghreb serves as one of Russia's "entry points" into Africa. Through ties with these countries, Russia seeks to strengthen its presence on the continent, including expanding economic and military ties.

Algeria is one of the leading trade and economic players for Russia in Africa. In July 2023, the republic's president, Abdelmajid Tebboun, announced the North African country's bid to become a shareholder in the New BRICS Development Bank. In August this year, it was reported that Algeria was authorized for membership in the bank. Its entry into the New BRICS Development Bank will have a positive impact on the country's economic development and attract investment, Algerian MP Al Sid Al-Sheikh Wahid told Izvestia.

- Algeria is currently interested in the BRICS bank. The country's accession will have a positive impact on its economy, especially it will affect mutual settlements between members in their national currencies," the MP told Izvestia.

The Russian Federation plays an active role in resolving the conflict in Libya, supporting diplomatic efforts and interacting with various parties, including the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the leadership of Khalifa Haftar.

Russia sees Morocco as a reliable partner in international politics, particularly given the kingdom's solid political weight and image in the Arab and Islamic world. The countries' approaches to topical issues on the world agenda, including crisis management and counterterrorism, are close or coincide.

Russia and Mauritania also often speak with one voice in international affairs, Vladimir Putin said in October in Kazan, where he held talks with the African country's President Mohammed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani. "Cooperation in education is well established. In total, we have trained over 3,500 Mauritanian specialists," the Russian leader specified.