Mohamed Sahbi Basly, Tunisia’s ambassador to China from 2004–2010, isn’t just a diplomat—he’s a self-proclaimed fanboy of Chinese fashion. With a wardrobe overflowing with traditional Chinese jackets, he laughs, 'I feel like one of them!' But his connection runs deeper than silk threads.
From Carthage to Qin Dynasty 🏺
During a visit to Xi’an, Basly uncovered a 2,000-year cultural link between Tunisia’s Carthage Empire and China’s Qin Dynasty through ceramic artifacts. 'Our cultures share a silent dialogue,' he reflected, highlighting similarities in craftsmanship that bridged continents.
Visa Wins & Diplomatic Sparks ✨
Basly’s six-year tenure wasn’t all museums and jackets. In 2005, he negotiated a game-changing visa waiver for diplomatic passports, turbocharging official exchanges between Tunisia and China. Talk about #DiplomacyGoals!
