Indonesia–Tunisia relations
Indonesia–Tunisia relations are particularly important after the Arab Spring, as Tunisia seeks Indonesia as an example of democracy in a Muslim-majority country, while Indonesia has expressed its willingness to support the democratic transition in Tunisia through a capacity for building and a partnership in democracy.[1] Indonesia has described Tunisia as a shining example of a democratic transition in the Arab World.[2] The diplomatic relations dated back to the 1950s when Indonesia supports Tunisian independence from France. Indonesia has an embassy in Tunis, while Tunisia has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement.
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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.[3]
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.[4] 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.
Notes
- "Indonesia–Tunisia Capacity Building Partnership for Democracy". Institute for Peace and Democracy. May 10–16, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
- "Editorial: Tunisia's shining example". The Jakarta Post. February 5, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
- Aditia Maruli (August 3, 2010). "Hubungan RI-Tunisia Makin Erat" (in Indonesian). Antara News. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
- Wang Yuanyuan (July 18, 2012). "Tunisia seeks stronger ties with Indonesia". Xinhuanet.com. Retrieved April 18, 2014.