Tunisian Ambassador to China Mohamed Sahbi Basly has highly praised China's African Policy published recently by the Chinese government, saying that it would help to consolidate and enhance Sino-African relations.

Basly said in an interview with Xinhua that he had carefully studied both the English and French versions of the document.

"We wouldn't feel sudden for China to publish such a document at this moment," he said. "Because China has been attaching great importance for a long time to developing Sino-African relations and advocating mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, regardless of the size of the countries."

Basly said the newly released China's African Policy is not only a review of the country's policies towards Africa over the years, but also a guideline for developing the friendly and cooperative relations in the new times.

The Chinese government publicized the first ever policy paper on China-Africa relations on Jan. 12, summing up the growth of Sino-African friendship and cooperation, assessment of Africa's status and its role in the global arena. The policy paper draws a blueprint for advancing cooperation in all fields, including politics, economy, culture and social development.

The ambassador said the long-standing friendship between Tunisia and China had brought the two sides closer despite the geographic distance. In recent years, high-level officials of the two countries have maintained frequent exchange of visits.

Basly said bilateral economic cooperation has been enhanced. In recent years, the number of Chinese businessmen investing in Tunisia is on the increase, while Tunisia has set up a joint venture fertilizer plant in China.

Since China listed Tunisia as one of the tourism destinations for its citizens, the Tunisian Embassy in Beijing has set up a tourism office to provide help for tourists from both countries.

Basly, who has been in Beijing for nearly one year and fluent in Arabic, French and English, said now he is learning Chinese in a hope to play a bigger role in advancing bilateral relations in the future.

Source: Xinhua