Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergueï Lavrov is paying a working visit to Tunisia on December 20-21, at the invitation of his counterpart Nabil Ammar. The visit aims to step up political dialogue and economic cooperation between the two countries, according to a Foreign Department press release. Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to August 11, 1956, after the Soviet Union recognised Tunisia's independence. The establishment of bilateral political consultations, the exchange of visits by ministerial and parliamentary officials and the diversification of cooperation fields have helped foster ties between Tunisia and Russia. As part of the efforts exerted by the two countries to cement cooperation relations, a joint commission was set up. The latter held its 7th session on April 24-26, 2019, in Tunis. The 8th session of the Tunisian-Russian Joint Commission is scheduled for 2024 in Russia. Economic cooperation between the two countries has been given new impetus, notably follo wing the signing of an agreement between the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, and the establishment of the Tunisian-Russian Business Council. The volume of Tunisian imports from Russia during the first ten months of 2023 increased by 67.3% compared to 2022. The main products imported from Russia are crude oil, liquefied natural gas, grain and fertilisers, while the main products exported to Russia are fruit and vegetables, manufactured goods and agricultural products. By the end of October 2023, Tunisia had welcomed some 21,506 Russian tourists, according to figures from the National Tunisian Tourism Office (ONTT). With regard to cooperation in higher education, Russia currently hosts some 2,000 Tunisian students. The Russian government decided to fund 60 scholarships for Tunisian students for the academic year 2024-2025. Tunisia and Russia aspire to further boost cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education, tran sport, media and decentralised cooperation through twinning projects between towns in the two countries. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse