Saudi Arabia–Tunisia relations

Saudi Arabian–Tunisian relations

Saudi Arabia	Tunisia

Saudi Arabia–Tunisia relations refers to the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

Two countries share historical commons, as both are majority Sunni Muslims and their Arabic cultural heritages. Despite of this, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia nonetheless have political differences. Saudi Arabia is a conservative Kingdom while Tunisia is a liberal Republic. However, two countries have engaged in larger cooperations in order to exert Saudi influence.

Saudi Arabia has en embassy in Tunis, whilst Tunisia maintains embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah.

Historical

The Arab conquest at 7th century had brought Tunisia into an Islamic sphere. A mosque, which is regarded as the third holiest place in the Islamic world, the Great Mosque of Kairouan, was built in Tunisia.^[1]

Modern relations

Both two nations have increased significant cooperation since the independence of Tunisia from France. The Saudi Kingdom has attempted to increase their Islamic doctrine into Tunisia for several years recently.^[2]

After the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, which ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Saudi Arabia has granted asylum for Zine Ben Ali, who himself is a long time friend for the Saudis,^[3] while supports Tunisia on their track of recovery. Nonetheless, new Tunisian Government has shown unhappiness towards Saudi Arabia's decision to grant Ben Ali's asylum and has demanded the Saudi Government to extradite back to Tunisia for trials.^[4]

References

External links

• Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Tunisia