– Photo Credit: Italian Embassy in Tunis –
A landmark initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing Tunisia’s archaeological treasures has wrapped up in the capital, marking a new chapter in Italian-Tunisian cooperation. The “Tunisia–Italy Days” on the conservation and enhancement of archaeological heritage brought together cultural institutions, government bodies, and private-sector players for the first time under one roof.
Organized by the Italian Embassy in Tunis, the event was a joint effort with Tunisia’s National Heritage Institute (INP), the Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and professional associations including Assorestauro, OICE, and the Confederation of Tunisian Citizen Enterprises (Conect).
The gathering opened with speeches by INP Director General Tarek Baccouche and Italian Ambassador Alessandro Prunas. It closed with remarks from Alfonsina Russo, head of the Department for the Enhancement of Cultural Heritage at Italy’s Ministry of Culture.
What set this edition apart was the deliberate fusion of academic and cultural exchange with a robust economic dimension. Delegates were presented with a wide range of joint archaeological projects and missions—underscoring Italy’s position as Tunisia’s leading partner in heritage preservation. Alongside these presentations, a business forum and B2B matchmaking sessions connected Italian and Tunisian firms specializing in restoration, opening the door to concrete commercial deals.
In a closing statement, the Italian Embassy hailed the integrated approach, saying it “brings together culture, research and the economy in the spirit of the Mattei Plan.” The ultimate goal, the statement added, is to “further promote Tunisia’s extraordinary archaeological heritage on an international scale.”
TunisianMonitorNews (NejiMed)
