The Tunisian Embassy last week celebrated the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence from France and the start of an institutional democracy following the 2011 Jasmine Revolution. 

“On 20th March 1956, our country retrieved freedom and sovereignty and set up the foundation of a modern republican state,” Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nafti said in a speech at a reception at Lotte Hotel on March 21. “The January 2011 Revolution ushered in a new era of hope for a better future, where dignity, justice, democracy and social development would prevail.”

The revolution was a nationwide resistance triggered by high unemployment, food shortages, government corruption, poor living conditions and a lack of freedom. With labor unions as their main support, the protests triggered the Arab Spring that spread to other countries in North Africa and the Middle East. 

“Five years later and despite some difficult moments, there is good reason to be optimistic about our young democracy,” he stressed, adding that the country was now a pioneer in free education, family planning and female emancipation.

The adoption of a progressive constitution in January 2014 paved the way for fair and transparent elections at legislative and presidential levels, Nafti noted. It marked a “successful passage” in the transition toward stable institutions. 

The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet -- a coalition of unionists, employers, lawyers and human rights activists that brokered peace and forestalled a civil war in the aftermath of the revolution in 2013 -- was awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 9. This was “recognition of these historical achievements,” according to the envoy. 

“The quartet bore the fruit of consensus among political parties and the civil society, leading the political transition,” the diplomat claimed. “This prestigious prize will always be a source of national pride and motivation to preserve our democracy and fight big challenges, particularly on the security front.”

Regarding relations with Korea, Nafti expressed gratitude to the Korean government for its assistance through the Korea International Cooperation Agency and other institutions. He also encouraged Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in Tunisia, pointing to incentives offered under the new economic reforms. 

“Any sustainable relations between countries should focus on people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges,” he added, acknowledging the Institute of Middle Eastern Affairs at Myongji University for translating the Tunisian Constitution and book “Muqaddimah” into Korean.

“Governments around the world recognize that gender equality translates into enhanced national competitiveness in the 21st century,” Korean Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kang Eun-hee said in a speech. 

“Tunisia is known to have more senior female officials and legislators in government than other Islamic nations. This highlights Tunisia’s commitment to enhancing women’s rights.”

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1969, Tunisia and Korea have strengthened relations on all fronts, particularly in youth exchange following an agreement in 2009, she emphasized. 

Mentioning Korea’s bid to host the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum -- one of the world’s largest reclaimed land areas -- the minister solicited Tunisia’s support and participation. 

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)