Summary:

On 20 December 2023, Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Tunis for two days of working visits that continued prior discussions between the two ministers on the expansion of Tunisia’s import of Russian cereals. FM Lavrov also met with President Kais Saied, praising the Tunisian President for his efforts toward reform. 

[mepr-show if=”loggedout”] Please login or purchase an InBrief membership to view the rest of this report [/mepr-show] [mepr-show if=”loggedin”]

FM Ammar expressed openness to improving bilateral relations between the two countries and extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Tunisia while expressing an openness to having President Kais Saied visit Moscow. 

Lavrov arrived in Tunis after participating in the Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum in Marrakech, Morocco. 

In February 2023, FM Lavrov cancelled plans to visit Tunis as part of a larger diplomatic tour through Africa, instead focusing on several Sahel countries like Mauritania, Sudan, and Mali which have since proven to be footholds for Russian diplomacy in the region. 

Tunisian FM Ammar subsequently visited Moscow in September, accompanied by officials overseeing Tunisia’s import of cereals. 

Outlook: 

As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, it has redoubled diplomatic efforts in Africa in search of potential economic partners. With destinations for Russian grain increasingly limited by sanctions or diplomacy, Tunisia’s need for grain creates an opportunity for both countries to benefit. 

While Tunisia has historically maintained close ties with Western powers, including the EU and the US, recent tensions have cooled these relations, particularly due to irregular migration and the war in Israel/Palestine.  

For now, the warming of ties between Moscow and Tunis appears largely attributable to an amicable supply and demand relationship with regard to cereals. However, this could form the basis of additional cooperation which may further isolate Tunisia from its traditional Western partners. 

[/mepr-show]

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.