Tunisia Looks to Expand Direct Flights from Russia as Demand Climbs

Tunisia is exploring ways to increase the number of direct flights from Russia, driven by strong demand from Russian tourists.

This year, routes to Tunisia from Russia were operated by the Tunisian carrier Nouvelair and Egypt's Pyramid Airlines, which received special permission from Tunisian authorities.

The topic surfaced around the Third Russia-Africa Summit and economic and humanitarian forum, held at Moscow's Gostiny Dvor. Russian President Vladimir Putin invited African airlines to launch flights to Russia.

The summit, held under the motto "For Peace, Security and Development," drew confirmed participation from 48 African countries, 22 of them represented by heads of state. Its stated aim is to broaden Russian-African cooperation across all areas and to support the strengthening of African states' sovereignty.

First-day discussions covered the economy, agriculture, education, medicine, artificial intelligence, technological cooperation, energy dialogue, nuclear technology, media and cooperation on international platforms. An exhibition of Russian solutions in key economic sectors is running alongside the forum, with displays that include weapons - drone and air defense system models and small arms samples - drawing interest from visitors, some of whom posed for photos in front of them.

A package of 33 intergovernmental, interdepartmental and commercial documents is expected to be signed at the summit's close.