ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh has welcomed Tunisia’s keen interests in increasing ties with ASEAN with the designation of its first Ambassador to the bloc.

He gave a reception for the African country’s Ambassador to ASEAN Mourad Belhassen in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 3.

The Secretary General congratulated the diplomat for his new role, expressing hope to work closely with him in enhancing the relationship between ASEAN and Tunisia and Africa at large.

The Ambassador stressed that there are huge untapped potential in trade and investment between the bloc and Tunisia.

With its strategic position, Tunisia can serve as a gateway for the ASEAN member countries to access markets in the Arab Maghreb Union and Africa, he said, adding that he will seek opportunities and ways to further the bilateral cooperation.

Secretary General Minh informed the diplomat that ASEAN is exerting its efforts to complete the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015, which requires support as well as assistance from its partners and friends.

The bloc has, therefore, identified the seeking of new and emerging partners, including individual countries from Africa like Tunisia, as an important issue, he said.-VNA