PUTRAJAYA: Tunisia is interested to open its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
This was conveyed by Tunisian Foreign Ministry Secretary of State for Economic Diplomacy Hatem Ferjani, who is here for a three-day working visit.
The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and Tunisia, including by boosting economic opportunities for the two countries.
The last high-level visit by Tunisia to Malaysia was in 1997 by the Tunisian Prime Minister, Hamed El Karoui.
Hatem today paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
During the courtesy call, both sides exchanged views and experiences on democracy in Muslim countries, socio-economic developments, and regional issues of interest in Asean and North Africa.
Wisma Putra said the Tunisian delegation had expressed their interest in Malaysia’s economic development, as well as the country's approach of moderation.
Reezal Merican also shared more details on current initiatives undertaken by the government, including the Economic Transformation Programme and the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) programme.
During the visit, Wisma Putra said the Tunisian delegation would learn more about Malaysia’s experience and capabilities in the Islamic banking, agri-food and halal industries, as well as the country’s significant achievements in information and communication technology.
"This visit also serves as a platform for Tunisian and Malaysian investors to explore untapped opportunities between the two countries," it added.
Hatem is currently on a regional tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand from Feb 27 to March 3.
He is accompanied by a delegation of 10, including officials from the Tunisia Foreign Ministry and Tunisian businessmen.