Grain shortages in Tunisia due to drought have become a pressing issue for the country, which heavily relies on imports for cereals. The recent visit of Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Tunisia has brought a glimmer of hope, as he expressed Russia’s willingness to supply more grain to help alleviate the shortage.
Tunisia has been grappling with drought for the past four years, severely impacting its grain production. As a result, the country is in dire need of durum wheat, soft wheat, and barley until at least spring 2024. With limited financial resources to finance its imports, Tunisia is seeking assistance from other countries to meet its grain requirements.
Russia, known for its robust agricultural sector, has stepped forward to offer its support. Lavrov highlighted Russia’s successful crop yields for the past few years and expressed the country’s interest in increasing grain deliveries to Tunisia. While the exact conditions and costs were not specified, Lavrov assured that Russia is ready to provide the necessary assistance.
This offer from Russia comes on the heels of its commitment to deliver free grain to six African countries, including Tunisia’s neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. Russia’s interest in bolstering its presence in Africa extends beyond economic gains, aiming to strengthen its foothold on the continent.
During his visit, Lavrov discussed various sectors for bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, energy, nuclear power, and technology. He emphasized that Russia does not intend to replace Tunisia’s existing partners but rather aims to enhance the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Lavrov also criticized Western countries for forming alliances to counter others, while stating that Russia seeks friendly ties without such intentions.
The Tunisian government welcomed Russia’s offer and stressed the historic relations between the two countries. Tunisia’s quest to strengthen its agricultural sector and secure its food supply aligns with Russia’s agricultural prowess, making it a potential fruitful partnership. As the grain shortages continue to pose a challenge for Tunisia, it remains to be seen how the cooperation between the two countries will unfold and contribute to addressing the issue.
In conclusion, Russia’s commitment to supplying more grain to Tunisia comes as a ray of hope for the country facing grain shortages due to drought. This offer reflects the historic relations between the two countries and presents an opportunity for bilateral cooperation beyond the agricultural sector. As Tunisia continues to grapple with the impact of drought on its grain production, the assistance from Russia could potentially alleviate the shortage and provide a much-needed solution for the country’s food security.