President Rouhani Calls Iran, Tunisia "Pioneers of Democracy"
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran and Tunisia are the pioneers of democracy in the region, President Hassan Rouhani said Monday in a meeting with new Tunisian envoy to Tehran, and called for closer cooperation between the two sides in the international circles.
“We are the pioneers of democracy (in the region). In addition to the cooperation they already have in the Islamic and international organizations, Iran and Tunisia can also have closer cooperation and consultations with each other on the regional and Islamic world issues,” the Iranian president said.
The president expressed satisfaction with the recent developments in Tunisia.
Referring to the two countries’ cultural commonalties, Rouhani stressed the need for the expansion and strengthening of economic and cultural ties between the two Muslim states, and called for closer tourism ties.
The Tunisian Ambassador Ghazi Ben Salah, too, voiced Tunisia's willingness to expand and strengthen relations and cooperation with Tehran.
He also conveyed President Muhammed el-Munsif el-Merzuk’s warm greetings to the Iranian president and congratulated him on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
On January 16, Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly approved the country’s new constitution with an overwhelming majority.
Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif praised approval of the constitution in a meeting with the country’s new ambassador to Tehran.
Zarif also wished the new Tunisian government success, and said Iran is interested in expanding ties with Tunisia.
