Tunisian ambassador to China: Tunisia a cultural bridge between China and the Arab world

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.