The Tunisian Ambassador’s new start on old territory

New year, new job, new Damascus. This is how Tunisian Ambassador Mohammad Oweiti felt at the beginning of 2009, when he started his new job in the Syrian capital. Much had changed in Damascus, a city he knew 15-years ago when serving as a consultant at the Tunisian Embassy in Syria. Much, however, has remained exactly the same. Although busy preparing for the Arab Summit in Doha, Ambassador Oweiti found the time to talk to Forward Magazine, expressing how good it was to be back in Syria.

There is much talk of a new relationship within the larger Arab family, after the Arab rapprochement at the Gaza Summit last January. Arab countries seem to be patching up their differences, in light of a new US administration and after the war on Gaza. Syrian-Tunisian relations do not need any mending, however; they historically have been strong and intact. Can you tell us how you see them in 2009?

Actually, Syrian-Tunisian relations are deeply rooted and multifaceted, built on full integration between our two peoples on a ground of common objectives. However, despite the humble trade volume between the two countries (estimated at $50 million for 2007 and $25 million for 2008), there is still a persistence to get into a new phase where conditions are furnished to boost means for further trade cooperation relations.

What is your assessment on inter-Arab trade relations within GAFTA?

The Syrian economic policy has earned Syria a reputation as a privileged destination for investors, a pole of partnership, and an example to be followed on the regional scale in terms of comprehensive development. The already established Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement (GAFTA) and the Arab Economic Summit convened in Kuwait last February were a landmark pinpointing a new phase in the common Arab collective work. Simultaneously, the two events constitute a corner stone for the achievement of solid Arab economic integration in inter-Arab relations. Investment requirements in the Arab states, especially in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and industry are vast enough to be the best venue for investing Arab funds at favorable conditions.

Apart from politics and economics, how are bilateral cultural relations proceeding?

According to several documents cosigned between the two sides in organizing cultural contacts, and the number of cultural delegations in both countries, it can be said that cultural interaction between Syria and Tunisia is at its best. On the sidelines of his participation in the opening of the Tunisian Cultural Days in Syria held in November-December 2008, our minister of culture and heritage preservation had long talks with Syrian officials, who expressed gratitude to Tunisia for its active participation in the event “Damascus Capital of Arab Culture 2008,” and voiced satisfaction at the strong relations of brotherhood and co-operation binding Syria and Tunisia, laying emphasis on the need to further bolster these relations in the areas of culture and artistic creation.

How do you view the recent détente in inter-Arab relations, and the reflection that has on the Arab people and their unity?

Tunisia has always been calling for common Arab work that meets the ambition of Arab peoples towards integration and solidarity, and has spared no efforts to this end. Tunis was once the home for the Arab League headquarters and at one point the exiled Palestinian leadership. We always seek to reactivate inter-Arab solidarity and revitalizing Arab economic potential. We pin great hopes on the current moves, contacts, and initiatives in which Syria plays a pivotal role in maintaining inter-Arab solidarity, including the forthcoming Arab summit to be held in Qatar.

What is the role Tunisia can play in political developments on the Arab arena and the region?

We’ve always sought to be an element of security and stability in the region, and an advocate for Arab solidarity. We’ve tried to alleviate all obstacles hindering the foundation of a common Arab economic bloc, aiming to ensure the best utilization of Arab potential in the service of Arab common goals and objectives. Therefore, Tunisia stands in support of just Arab causes, especially to selfdetermination and achieving the Arab objectives towards cooperation, solidarity, and creating a dialogue among cultures and civilizations to build international relations on the ground of International law principles. Within this context, initiatives have been proclaimed by President Bin Ali to found the Bin Ali Chair for dialogue between civilizations, establishing the International Fund for Solidarity, and hosting the “Five Plus Five” dialogue and other similar initiatives.

As Tunisia’s new ambassador in Damascus, what plans and expectations do you have concerning Syria – Tunisia bilateral relations?

Let’s first indicate the reciprocal ties of friendship and cooperation between the leaders of the two countries, President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali and President Bashar al-Assad. There are great expectations for the future of Syria – Tunisia relations, and on the expansion in the spectrum of these relations in all walks of life. My meetings with Syrian officials revealed their preparedness to revitalize ties of cooperation and fraternity between the two countries built on the conviction that Syria – Tunisia relations can be further promoted. The 10th session for the Syrian – Tunisian higher joint committee due to be held May 2009 in Damascus will be an occasion to review opportunities for deepening further partnership relations.