A Mediterranean Evening of Flavors, Culture, and Economic Ambition
The Embassy of Tunisia in Serbia hosted an exceptional promotional event, on Thursday evening, under the theme “Road to the Balkans: Tunisia Taste, Mediterranean Atmosphere”, aimed at celebrating Tunisia’s culinary, artisanal, and tourism heritage, while strengthening economic cooperation with Serbia.
Held at Villa Jelena in Belgrade, the venue was transformed into a Mediterranean corner filled with the scents, sounds, and colors of Tunisia. The event gathered a prestigious audience, including H.E. Mr. Damjan Jović, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Nikola Stojanović, State Secretary for External and Internal Trade. Also in attendance were Vice-President of the National Assembly, Mr. Edin Đerlek, government representatives, members of Parliament, Ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Serbia, Serbian business actors, cultural and media partners, and friends of Tunisia in Serbia
The Ambassador acknowledged the close collaboration of key Tunisian partners, including the Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT), the interprofessional groups of fruits, seafood, and canned products, operating under the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries. Tunisian companies, both present on-site and those who sent their products.
And finally, Chef Mounir Arem, one of Tunisia’s top chefs and one of only 20 chefs worldwide named UN Tourism Ambassadors.
In her welcoming address, Her Excellency the Ambassador of Tunisia, Mrs Imen Laajili Ammari, emphasized that this event aimed not only to celebrate Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage and Mediterranean identity, but also to deepen the bridge between both peoples, through cultural, culinary, and economic exchange. She described how Tunisian cuisine, inspired by its generous climate, rich land, and diverse history, reflects a melting pot of civilizations, from Phoenicians and Romans to Arabs and Andalusians.
Tunisia’s presence was marked by an impressive display of authentic products:
Olive oil : Tunisia is the 3rd largest producer worldwide for the 2024 season, the 2nd largest exporter, and the leading global producer of organic olive oil. The country is home to olive trees that are over 2,500 years old still producing olives to this day. It’s also home to the 2nd largest olive grove in the world, with over 10 million olive trees not even counting the vast cultivated lands beyond that.
Viticulture: Tunisia has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, dating back to Mago (Magon), the Carthaginian agronomist known as the father of agricultural engineering. His treatise on agriculture, the only Carthaginian work preserved by the Romans, played a key role in the development of European viticulture.
Dates: 2nd largest exporter of dates in the world & 1st largest exporter of the Deglet Nour variety.
Sea products: Tunisian Tuna and Sardines are known of their premium quality and unique flavor.
Handicrafts: Tunisia’s rich artisanal tradition was showcased through a representative of Tunisian National Handicrafts Office (ONAT). The artisans present came specially from Tunisia to share their know-how and passion for traditional crafts: olive wood products, handmade copper crafts and potery.
