Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – Tunisian Ambassador to Iraq Samir Jamai spoke to KRG.org regarding the vast potential in the Kurdistan Region, relations between Tunisia and Iraq, including Kurdistan, increased economic cooperation, and facilitating travel to Tunisia.

Ambassador Jamai said that his country wishes “to build a real partnership with Iraq, especially with the Kurdistan Region, to support mutual interest between Tunisia and the Region’s private sector.” Tunisia is considering the establishment of a consulate in Kurdistan, although the Ambassador noted that such a step “has come late, due to the situation in Tunisia and the region in general, as well as the lack of understanding about the Kurdistan Region.”

Ambassador Jamai said that the Embassy in Baghdad has eased the visa application process for tourists who wish to travel to Tunisia. This comes on the heels of the resumption of Tunisair flights to Iraq after 23 years of suspension, with the first flight arriving in Erbil last week.

Regarding the possibility of visa-free travel between Iraq and Tunisia, the Ambassador told KRG.org that both sides have shown willingness but due to the security situation in both countries and the region generally, Tunisian visas are still required for Iraqi citizens. However, the process at the Tunisian Embassy in Baghdad is now much easier, part of an effort to improve bilateral relations.

Tunisia’s Ambassador highlighted the recent Tunisia-Kurdistan Economic Forum held on 2 June in Erbil. The forum demonstrated that the KRG “supports strengthening bilateral economic ties, especially as improving these relations has become a significant duty of the private sector.” Last week’s forum marked the first step towards improved bilateral relations.

Ambassador Jamai said, “Tunisian people are not familiar with the Kurdistan Region and they are not aware of the Region’s political and economic stability.” However, this is now changing, as more than 60 businessmen participated in Tunisia’s visiting delegation. “Tunisia is prepared to establish strong ties with the Kurdistan Region and we envision further development. We are thinking of utilizing the tourism sector as a starting point, especially as Erbil is the Arab capital of tourism this year. Kurdistan Region has a robust economic potential in Iraq and it has already attracted various Arab countries. This now includes Tunisia.”