Tunisian Foreign Minister Meets New Bulgarian Ambassador
Date: 17 February 2026
Location: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunis
Key Highlights
- Diplomatic credentials presented: Mrs. Boriana Siméonova handed a copy‑certified copy of her Letters of Credence to Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, confirming her appointment as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Tunisia.
- 70‑year diplomatic milestone: The meeting coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Bulgaria (1956), celebrated a year after Tunisia’s independence.
- Renewed high‑level engagement: Both sides stressed the need to restart regular high‑level visits to inject fresh dynamism into bilateral cooperation, as well as to strengthen ties with the European Union and within multilateral frameworks.
- Upcoming bilateral agenda: Priority items include the 3rd session of political consultations and the 15th session of the Mixed Economic Cooperation Commission.
- Economic and commercial focus: Emphasis was placed on optimising trade opportunities, expanding cooperation in new information technologies, tourism, culture, higher education, youth, and sports.
- Historical sports‑infrastructure projects: The minister recalled the sports‑facility projects completed in Tunisia during the 1960s‑70s under bilateral cooperation.
Detailed Account
Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, responsible for Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, received Mrs. Boriana Siméonova at the ministry’s headquarters on 17 February 2026. During the ceremony, the ambassador presented a copy‑certified version of her Letters of Credence, formally confirming her status as Bulgaria’s new envoy to Tunisia.
The minister expressed his satisfaction with the historic friendship and cooperation that have long linked the two nations. He highlighted the importance of jointly advancing development to elevate the partnership to higher levels, especially as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations—a milestone that dates back to 1956, shortly after Tunisia gained independence.
Minister Nafti also called for a revival of high‑level visits, aiming to inject a new dynamism into bilateral cooperation. This renewal is expected to benefit not only bilateral ties but also relations with the European Union and multilateral engagements. He pointed to upcoming bilateral milestones, notably the third session of political consultations and the fifteenth session of the Mixed Economic Cooperation Commission.
Regarding economic collaboration, the minister underscored the need to focus on trade and commerce, leveraging all available opportunities. He also stressed the importance of strengthening exchanges in information‑technology, tourism, culture, higher education, youth, and sports. In this context, he recalled the sports‑infrastructure projects realized in Tunisia during the 1960s and 1970s as part of the bilateral cooperation framework.
On her part, Ambassador‑designate Boriana Siméonova affirmed her determination to devote all necessary efforts to deepen the friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and Bulgaria. She pledged to implement joint programmes across all areas of common interest and to contribute actively to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
Keywords for SEO: Tunisia‑Bulgaria relations, diplomatic anniversary 70 years, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Boriana Siméonova, bilateral cooperation, economic partnership, EU‑Tunisia ties, high‑level visits, mixed economic commission, political consultations, trade opportunities, cultural exchange, tourism, higher education, sports infrastructure.
