Türkiye and Tunisia enjoy brotherly and friendly ties based on common
history and culture. The presence of Ottoman Empire in Tunisia more than
300 years is the main source for the abovementioned close ties. One of the
most emphasized historical events in Tunisian historical sources is that
Tunisian soldiers who survived during the Crimean War (out of 14.000 that
came from Tunisia in order to support Ottoman troops between 1854-1856)
were settled in Tunuslar Village, Kastamonu.
The diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Tunisia were established in
1956 just after Tunisia gained its independence.
The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 15 September 2011
constitutes the basis of reciprocal high-level visits and political
consultations being held between the two countries on a regular basis.
Türkiye has always supported successive Tunisian governments after the
Jasmine revolution, which took place in 2011 and provided Tunisia with
technical and financial assistance.
In 25 December 2012, a joint declaration on the establishment High Level
Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) between Türkiye and Tunisia was signed
in Ankara by Prime Ministers of both countries. With this political
declaration, the two countries laid the legal foundation for a closer
bilateral cooperation mechanism and agreed to cooperate in the fields of
politics, security, military, economy, science, technology, economy and
trade.
First meeting of the HLSCC was held on 6 June 2013 in Tunisia and a total
of 21 agreements and action plans in various areas of cooperation, as well
as 24 sister city protocols were signed. The second meeting of HLSCC is
foreseen to be held in Türkiye in the second half of 2018.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a state visit to Tunisia on 26-27
December 2017.
Lastly, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official state visit to
Tunisia between 23-24 December 2018 upon the invitation of Tunisian
Minister of Foreign Affairs.