On the eve of his official visit to Tunisia, the chief of Czech diplomacy Jan Lipavský speaks on the solidity and the richness of the Tuniso-Techeque partnership. Economic relations, university cooperation, cultural openness and Mediterranean dialogue: the Minister highlights a relationship that goes beyond tourist clichés, and aspires to a future based on human exchanges, innovation and mutual respect. In this forum, where he shares a personal and strategic vision of the links uniting Prague and Tunis he returns to the historical roots, cultural affinities and the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.
In Czech Republic, Tunisia has embodied hospitality, sun and beaches as far as the eye can see for several decades. Generations of Czechs have gotten into the habit of discovering the wonders of this country and gradually realized that Tunisia has much more to offer than tourism paradise. It has become an important partner for us, both in traditional fields and in new areas of cooperation.
This link has deeper roots than it seems. At the beginning of the last century, a young photographer by the name of Rudolf Lehnert, born in the mountains of the Czech giants, went to Tunisia, a country that captivated him so much that he remained there. He opened a photography studio and, for several decades, he captured people’s lives in deserts, oases, markets and ports. His photos have toured the world – and they became the first visual bridge between our two cultures.
It was in Tunisia that the story of his life has ended, when he died in Carthage. His work still reminds us today that two nations can succeed in really understanding themselves when people start to see others from a different point of view.
Relations between our two countries were established at the time of Czechoslovakia and continue to develop successfully. Today, the bridges between Czech Republic and Tunisia are built by companies, schools, researchers and travelers.
At first glance, we are all different – Czeching in Central Europe, Tunisia on the southern coast of the Mediterranean. But by looking more closely, we have more things in common than we think. We share a pragmatic approach to the world around us, we emphasize the stability of neighborhood relations, on fruitful cooperation and on opening up to new opportunities.
Our partnership is based on concrete people and shared experiences. Behind each successful project, there are those who know the two cultures and know how to link them. This is what makes the strength of our relationship.
In recent years, the volume of trade has increased and reached around $ 500 million a year. Czech companies are present in the health, transport, water and defense sectors. These projects are mutual and benefit both parties.
Each year, Tunisia welcomes nearly 150,000 Czech tourists who enjoy the sea, desert and history. When they get into their country, many of them not only bring back memories, but also a feeling of respect and understanding.
Today, Tunisian institutions are actively working to expand tourist offer beyond stays by the sea. I salute efforts to attract Czech visitors to interior regions-south of the Sahara, mountains, with traditional communities. Such a journey will leave a more deep brand than the classic “all inclusive”. Launch of a direct air link between Prague and Tunis would strengthen this new dynamic.
We also have a lot to offer in the context of our mutual relationships. Our country offers various opportunities to Tunisian students, researchers and entrepreneurs and we can see that their interest in these opportunities grows more and more.
My visit to Tunisia is not only a formal event. I see the opportunity to envisage our relationships in a new light, like a bridge that connects us in the future. A bridge built by people and concrete actions.
