WANA (Sep 13) – Iran’s Ambassador to Tunisia, Mirmasoud Hosseinian, announced that during Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s recent trip to Tunis, the two sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission in the near future—its first in years.

 

Speaking about the visit, Hosseinian said Araghchi and his delegation arrived in Tunis early Wednesday morning last week, where they were formally received by Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti. Later that day, Araghchi met with President Kais Saied for a one-and-a-half-hour meeting.

 

Tunisia’s President Condemns Attacks on Iran

According to Hosseinian, President Saied—well acquainted with Iran’s history as a university professor—spoke for nearly 20 minutes about Iran’s historical developments before the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and the Islamic world.

 

He added that Saied strongly condemned U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran, criticized normalization of ties between Arab states and Israel as a “great betrayal,” and reaffirmed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital. Araghchi, in turn, expressed appreciation for Tunisia’s positions.

Iran and Tunisia Foreign Ministers. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Iran and Tunisia Foreign Ministers. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Expanding Cooperation and Connectivity

Hosseinian noted that in recent years Iran and Tunisia have expanded cooperation in diplomacy, education, and healthcare, with multiple high-level visits on both sides.

 

Discussions also highlighted the need for permanent direct flights between Tehran and Tunis. Since July, charter flights twice a week have brought around 1,000 Iranian tourists to Tunisia, facilitated by the two-week visa waiver agreement.

 

While political ties are strong, Hosseinian acknowledged that economic relations remain underdeveloped due to distance and lack of familiarity between business communities. He suggested opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as olive oil and dates, where Tunisia is a global leader.

 

Joint Economic Commission to Reconvene

The ambassador confirmed that both sides agreed to convene the Joint Economic Commission in Tehran soon, chaired by the commerce ministers of Iran and Tunisia. Tourism and cultural cooperation were also emphasized.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Meets Tunisian President. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Iran’s Foreign Minister Meets Tunisian President. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Condemnation of Regional Aggression

Hosseinian further stated that both foreign ministers condemned recent Israeli attacks on Qatar, stressing that “no country in the region is safe from Israeli conspiracies.”

 

Araghchi also briefed his Tunisian counterpart on Iran’s latest agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reached during his recent trip to Cairo.

 

Cultural Visit

During his stay, which coincided with the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Araghchi visited Tunis’s historic Zaytouna Mosque and met with the Grand Mufti of Tunisia. He departed Tunis on Wednesday evening, seen off by the Tunisian foreign minister.