Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has praised China’s support for Tunisia, expressing hope that the Asian country would increase its participation in the economic construction in Tunisia.

Chahed made the remarks during his Tuesday meeting with Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin in Tunis.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its support and assistance to his country, adding that relations between the two sides have been friendly for a long time and have witnessed development in recent years.

He expressed his hope that China can actively participate in projects such as the construction of highways, railways, bridges and other infrastructure as well as the development of economic zones in Tunisia.

The Tunisian leader also praised China’s willingness to participate in the economic construction of Tunisia under the framework of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Mr. Chahed confirmed that his country will facilitate the implementation of the cooperation projects between the two countries, adding that the bilateral relations will develop in-depth with the joint efforts of both sides.

In July 2018, China and Tunisia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is a Chinese government cross-national project that involves nearly 70 countries.

The initiative – initially known as One Belt, One Road – aims to eradicate poverty, create jobs, address the consequences of international financial crises, promote sustainable development, and advance market-based industrial transformation and economic diversification.