Tunisia now hub of Arab democracy – Envoy

What is the political situation in your country now and what are your targets in Nigeria?This is my first opportunity with the media as the head of Tunisia mission in Nigeria. I have been with the Nigeria foreign affairs minister to formally present my letter of credence to her as the head of diplomatic mission […]

What is the political situation in your country now and what are your targets in Nigeria?
This is my first opportunity with the media as the head of Tunisia mission in Nigeria. I have been with the Nigeria foreign affairs minister to formally present my letter of credence to her as the head of diplomatic mission of Tunisia in Nigeria. I discussed many issues with her such as how to improve the relationship between Nigeria and my country, what we can do together to improve the relationship in many fields such as economy, political, culture and many more. I also presented her with the best greetings of my President to the Nigerian President as well as congratulatory message on Nigeria’s election into the United Nations Security Council. I also presented a brief about the political scene in Tunisia to her. As you may know, Tunisia is now in the process of democratic transition. We have agreed on the new head of government and appointed a new head of government recently which is the first step to the success of the transition to the democratic process in Tunisia.  Our people are committed to the success of the whole process and ready to see the end of the transition process into full democracy. My first aim is to improve our relationships and I have told the minister of my intention to have the joint Tunisia-Nigeria bi-national commission.
 When would the whole transition end in your country?
The head of government would be appointed by the parliament after that it will be a technocratic government. There would not be political government and we will soon decide the time of the election. As you know, Tunisia is the father of the Arab spring and now it is a laboratory for democracy for the Arab world. Democracy has to succeed in Tunisia because it will not be good for the process to fails.
What change should Nigerians and Tunisians expect in the bilateral relations between both countries?   
Nigeria is seen in Tunisia has a big country and as a continent inside Africa continent. Nigeria is very rich in culture, people, and resources among others. It is the richness not only in crude oil and money but in every aspect of life. Unfortunately the relationship between my country and Nigeria is not in the level of the political willingness of both leaders. For this, I will do my best to improve the relationship between Tunisia and Nigeria in different fields such as economy, culture, tourism, education, health and other areas of common interest to both countries.
How do you think the two countries can further improve their relationship?  
I have been in Nigeria for one month now and the entire supermarkets I have been visiting around, I saw products from different countries without any Tunisian product and our products are cheaper and better. Tunisian businessmen have no idea of what they can do in Nigeria; they described Nigeria as a closet centre for business. We will do our best to break these barriers and improve the relationship by linking our businessmen together in order to make business for the interest of both countries. There are many fields we can invest into in Nigeria. For instance, Tunisia can help in the area of education, health and tourism. There are many nice sites in Nigeria but there are few tourist centres here and I think Tunisia can help Nigeria in order to control and share its experience in the tourism sector. Tunisia receives every year, five to six million tourists. We have a big experience in that area and we can share and exchange the experience and other fields.
What can Nigerian businessmen export to your country and vice-visa?          
First of all, every of our products can be imported to Nigeria like textile materials, clothing, mechanical equipments, electrical materials, parts of automobiles, furniture, etc. From the Nigerian side, raw materials can be exported to Tunisia such rubber, cashew, cotton, wood and many agricultural products that are abound in Nigeria. Although, I have no idea of what they can export in terms of their capacity but I am sure of what my people can bring to Nigeria. Indeed there is big a opportunity and I will do all my best in order to make it happen.
You made mention of Tunisia transition to democratic process. In what way do think or want Nigeria to assist your country?     
Nigeria as we all know is a democratic country and she has a big experience about democracy and in my country we are open to learn from other people’s experience of democratic governance. Since Nigeria is a democratic country and one of the biggest democracy in Africa and many other things we can learn from their successes and challenges especially on the rule of law, freedom of expression and of the press.
Is there any trade relation between the two countries presently?
Yes, there is a trade relation but it is not at the high level. It is still between few individuals on some material products for building with some raw materials being exported to Tunisia. The businessmen in my country told me that they do not know much about the opportunity that exists in Nigeria. So it is my aim and role to improve and let Tunisians know what they can do in Nigeria and also let Nigerian investors know the opportunity for them in my country. My role is not only to improve the political relationship between the two countries because we have an excellent relationship in that area but to create linkages between our people. My country has supported Nigeria’s candidature in the UN. We would encourage Nigerians to go to Tunisia and see what is happening there and our experiences in many fields of endeavour. We will encourage artists from both countries to share experience and tap from one another. We would want Nigerians to participate in fairs especially in cinematography and cultural events.
How long does it take to secure a Tunisia visa?      
The time of getting Tunisian visa depends on the type of the visa and the person. We can get visa out in a day for some people but if it is someone we need to verify and find out some things about or there is any doubt, it may take longer.
What is your take on the ongoing crisis in most of the Arab world?  
Our diplomatic policy for a long time has some principles of which the first is non-interference into internal affairs of other countries. When we rise up against dictatorship in our country, we do not do it for other countries to join or imbibe. The most important thing for us now is to succeed. We cannot advise other countries to follow our footsteps and we are in the middle of work to end the transition process.