Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion: A New Chapter in Tunisia-China Relations
During the 18th Festival of Popular Culture of the Central Plains in Hebi, Anouar Chetoui, representative of the Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT) in Beijing, met with Mr. Zhao Hongyu, Secretary of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China in Hebi. This meeting provided an opportunity to consider a cultural and artisanal twinning between Hebi (Xunxian) and Bizerte (Sejnane).
A Warm Welcome and a Shared Vision
During the meeting, Mr. Zhao extended a warm welcome to the international guests and recalled that these exchanges are part of the implementation of President Xi Jinping's four global initiatives, ranging from global development to cultural cooperation. Anouar Chetoui was particularly inspired by the traditional clay craftsmanship of Xunxian, which shows strong technical and cultural similarities with the pottery of Sejnane, handmade by female artisans and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
A Concrete Partnership Proposal
The Tunisian representative proposed a concrete partnership: exchanges of artisans, joint exhibitions, cultural workshops, and tourist promotion to bring the two communities closer together and strengthen Tunisia-China friendship through heritage and artisanal expertise. This project could pave the way for an official twinning between Bizerte and Hebi, illustrating the willingness of the two countries to consolidate their cultural and tourist ties.
A Bright Future for Cultural Exchange and Tourism
The potential twinning between Hebi and Bizerte could mark a new chapter in the cultural and tourist relations between Tunisia and China. By promoting cultural exchange, artisanal cooperation, and tourism, both countries can strengthen their friendship and foster mutual understanding, while showcasing their rich cultural heritage to the world.
