Tunisian President Kais Saied (1st right) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (1st left), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Tunis, Tunisia, Jan 15, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

TUNIS - Tunisian President Kais Saied and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday expressed opposition to interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and democracy.

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During their talks here on Monday, Wang said the world today is afflicted with uncertainty and instability as well as rampant unilateralism, power politics and hegemony, said Wang, noting that China opposes the imposition of one's own values, opposes the transformation of other countries according to one's own standards, and opposes the interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and democracy.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Wang said, provides the fundamental guidance for building China into a great country and for the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization

China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with Tunisia to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, to promote economic globalization featuring equal, orderly global multipolarity and inclusiveness.

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Saied said that the history of colonialism cannot be repeated and the world cannot return to unipolar hegemony. Tunisia opposes double standards and interference in other countries' internal affairs under the banner of democracy and human rights.

"The series of important global initiatives proposed by President Xi demonstrate China's cultural heritage and global vision", said Saied, expressing willingness to work with China and other developing countries to safeguard common values of mankind, defend international fairness and justice, and build a community with a shared future.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nabil Ammar, Tunisian minister of foreign affairs, migration and Tunisians abroad on Monday voiced willingness to support each other's independent development.

Wang said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Tunisia, thereby having great significance in bridging the past and the future.

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Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Wang said, provides the fundamental guidance for building China into a great country and for the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

China's development in the new era has also provided a useful reference for other countries intending to speed up development while preserving their independence, said Wang.

For his part, Ammar said that Tunisia and China, sharing extensive common interests and values, have a solid political foundation, sound development momentum, and inspiring cooperation results in bilateral relations.

The Tunisian side cherishes its friendship with China and will always remember China's support and help.

The two sides will strengthen solidarity and coordination to jointly safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries, and uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and international equity and justice.