Chinese FM hails China-aided diplomatic academy in Tunisia as 'new symbol of friendship'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that the newly unveiled International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis, the only diplomatic academy China has helped build in an Arab country, will become a new symbol and platform for China-Tunisia friendship.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the academy in the Tunisian capital that was attended by Tunisian President Kais Saied and Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar.

At the ceremony, Wang also called for efforts to promote the construction of an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.

Noting that the academy has turned from blueprint into reality under the joint efforts of the two countries, Wang said it demonstrates the high level and high quality of China-Tunisia relations.

Over the past 60 years, China-Tunisia relations have achieved sound and stable development, he said, adding that the two sides firmly support each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support their respective choice of development path, interpreting their "great friendship" with concrete actions.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ammar said developing friendship between Tunisia and China is the common political will of both sides and serves the common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

Stressing that the academy is a substantial result yielded under the Belt and Road cooperation, Ammar thanked China's assistance and support, vowing to build the academy into an important platform for exchanging experiences and enhancing mutual understanding, as well as a bridge connecting the two countries and the world.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: A view of the International Diplomatic Academy of Tunis. /Chinese Embassy in Tunisia)