Indonesia–Tunisia relations

Indonesia–Tunisia relations

Indonesia	Tunisia

Indonesia–Tunisia relations are particularly important after the Arab Spring, as Tunisia seeks Indonesia as an example of democracy in Muslim-majority country, while Indonesia has expressed its willingness to supports the democratic transition in Tunisia through capacity building and partnership for democracy. Indonesia hails Tunisia as a shining example of democratic transition in Arab World. The diplomatic relations dated back to the 1950s when Indonesia supports Tunisian independence from France. Indonesia have an embassy in Tunis, while Tunisia have an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are the member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement.

History

The relations between Indonesia and Tunisia has been established early even before Tunisia achieved its independence from France in 1956. Tunisian freedom fighter Habib Bourguiba visited Jakarta in 1951, followed by the establishment of Tunisian independence representative office in the city in 1952 to lobby the Asian nations support for Tunisian independence.

Trade and investment

Indonesian Central Statistics Agency, reported that in 2011 the trade volume reached US$100 million. The trade balance was heavily in favour to Indonesia with Indonesia's exports reaching US$84.77 million in 2010. Indonesia exports mainly consists of lubricant oil, musical instruments, optics, rubber, paper, plastics, furniture, shoes, coffee and spices to Tunisia, while the Southeast Asian country importing dates, oranges, fertilizers, rock phosphate, glass, plastics and olive oil from the North African country.

External links

• Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tunis, Tunisia