Islamabad, 22 October 2021 (TDI): Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in Pakistan hosted a reception in the honor of Abdellatif Ghedira, Executive Director of the International Olive Council Tunisia (IOC). A large number of top officials of the Pakistani government and sector professionals from producers, suppliers, and media attended.
Abdellatif Ghedira is a Tunisian prominent expert in the field of agriculture. He has experience of more than 30 years. Earlier he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Tunisian National Olive Office. He also remained as Head of Staff of the office of the Tunisian Minister of Agriculture.
Speaking on the occasion Ambassador of Tunisian to Pakistan Brohene El-Kamel said that olive cultivation in Tunisia dates back to the 8th century BC, even before the founding of Carthage. Tunisia is one of the leading world olive oil producers and exporters. Tunisia is the largest world exporter of organic olive oil. Tunisian olive oils have won medals in almost all international competitions. This is also labeled as one of the best olive oil in the world.
Ambassador said that the olive tree is a historic, blessed, and holy tree. Olive is mentioned in the Kura as well. It is also a symbol of peace and friendship. He referred to the famous speech of Palestinian leader President Yasser Arafat in one of the most unforgettable addresses before the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1974 where he asked the world not to let the olive branch drop from his hand.
Ambassador further added that Tunisia will support Pakistan’s program of developing olive plantations in different regions of the country. He further said that Tunisia with a similar climate to some regions in Pakistan particularly Baluchistan is ready to share its technical expertise and know-how.
As an Embassy, Ambassador said that the embassy is ready to help relevant Pakistani authorities to achieve this objective. He said that the embassy will develop contact with olive oil importers with prominent Tunisian companies with Pakistan. It is important to note here that Pakistan and Tunisia are collaborating on deepening and expanding olive production.
