Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Minister of Transportation Moez Chakcouk to discuss opportunities for future U.S. investment in the transportation sector. They also discussed finalizing the U.S.-Tunisia joint Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact which is anticipated to offer close to $500 million in U.S. assistance. The compact will support economic growth and prosperity for …
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Ambassador Donald Blome and Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining our two countries’ shared security strategy. The MOU provides a framework to discuss the United States’ security assistance programs with Tunisia and further expands cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism, border security, police training, and institution building. “Today is a …
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U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the Director General of ONAT, Faouzi Ben Halima, and the ACEA team on April 8 for the first virtual craft fair in Tunisia that gave talented and innovative artisans from across Tunisia access to international buyers through the CraftExports online platform. Today’s event is part of the U.S. Embassy’s 15.6 …
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Ambassador Donald Blome and Minister of Health Faouzi Mehdi visited Mongi Slim Hospital today to review construction of the first of two field hospitals donated by the United States to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mobile, negative-pressure isolation hospitals offer 30 beds each and provide additional space for the safe testing, isolation, and treatment …
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Ambassador Blome joined Minister of Education Fethi Sellaouti at the Zoubaier Turki College in Laaouina today to celebrate the donation of hygiene and cleaning supplies through UNICEF to all schools across Tunisia. These supplies will help keep children healthy and ready to learn. This $5.7 million project is part of the U.S. government’s COVID-related support …
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Ambassador Donald Blome joined Acting Minister of Youth and Sports and Professional Integration, Sihem Ayadi, Governor of Tunis, Chedly Bouallegue, and Mayor of Le Kram, Fathi Layouni to inaugurate the newly refurbished Youth Center in Le Kram. USAID funded the modernization of this space to provide the youth of Le Kram with more recreational activities …
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Ambassador Donald Blome joined Minister of Health Faouzi Mehdi and the Tunisia Country Manager of the American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, Walid Lakhdar, at Tunis-Carthage Airport today to receive the first installment of a total 2 million Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses for Tunisia purchased under a direct bilateral agreement with the company. Tunisia was the first …
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In celebration of Women’s History Month, Ambassador and Mrs. Blome received Mayor of Tunis Ms. Souad Abderrahim, Mayor of Carthage Ms. Hayet Bayoudh, and Mayor of La Goulette Ms. Amel Limam along with members of the U.S. Embassy. Ambassador Blome reiterated U.S. commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment both at home and around the …
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U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the Minister of Health Faouzi Mehdi today for the launch of the $5 million USD SAHA project. In partnership with CIPE, the SAHA project supports the Ministry’s efforts to improve the management of public hospitals, strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide training opportunities to Tunisian health professionals across the …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met with the Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labor Union, Mr. Noureddine Taboubi, to discuss empowering the Tunisian economy for the benefit of all Tunisians.
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Ambassador Donald Blome joined Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi in commemorating the first anniversary of the sacrifice of Major Taoufik Missaoui who sacrificed his life in the March 6, 2020 terrorist attack in front of the US Embassy in Tunis. During the ceremony, Ambassador Blome offered heartfelt condolences to Major Missaoui’s family as they grieve their difficult loss …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Minister of Finance Ali Kooli to discuss U.S-Tunisia bilateral cooperation, including progress on the upcoming Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, USAID assistance programs, and Tunisia’s economic growth.
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U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the Minister Education, Fethi Sellaouti, the President of the Independent High Authority for Elections, Nabil Baffoun, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) during a ceremony to celebrate the “Democracy Awakening Toolkit” that IFES produced as part of the U.S. Embassy-funded project. “The Democracy Awakening Toolkit” was produced and distributed throughout primary, preparatory and secondary schools in …
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Ambassador Donald Blome and Acting Minister of Justice Hasna Ben Slimane celebrated the success of our five-year cooperation program “Improving Court Administration.” This $2.5 million program helped build Ministry of Justice (MOJ) technical and logistical capacities in eight model courts across Tunisia in Ariana, Bizerte, Kef, Sousse, Tozeur, Gafsa, Kef, and Tunis. Thanks to this successful cooperation between our …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi today to discuss U.S.-Tunisia bilateral cooperation, including the upcoming Millennium Challenge Corporation compact and the United States’ support to Tunisian efforts to secure COVID-19 vaccines for the Tunisian people. The Ambassador stressed the United States’ unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustaining Tunisia’s success as …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met Speaker of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi to discuss U.S.-Tunisia bilateral cooperation and the Biden Administration’s priorities and continued American support for the Tunisian people.
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Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Tunisian Minister of Tourism Habib Ammar to reaffirm continued U.S. support for the tourism industry. During the meeting, Ambassador Blome highlighted our close cooperation and highlighted USAID’s $50 million project in support of alternative tourism in Tunisia as a means of countering the effect of the pandemic on this …
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U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines Salwa Sghayer in inaugurating Education for Employment (EFE)’s new office in Zarzis, Tunisia, which will help graduates from throughout the south launch their careers. As part of the ceremony, EFE signed new partnership agreements with key private sector and employment stakeholders including the Zarzis …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on January 7 to discuss U.S.-Tunisia bilateral cooperation, including the upcoming Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, new USAID activities focused on tourism and energy and the continued partnership on counterterrorism and border security efforts. With Tunisia marking the tenth anniversary of the revolution, the Ambassador stressed the United States’ unwavering commitment to catalyzing inclusive economic growth and sustaining Tunisia’s …
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Ambassador Blome met Foreign Minister Jerandi on January 4 to congratulate Tunisia on the tenth anniversary of the revolution and highlight the strength of our U.S.-Tunisia partnership, grounded by our shared democratic values.
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On December 30, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Donald Blome met with Tunisian Minister of Communication Technologies Mohamed Fadhel Kraiem to discuss Tunisia’s ITC strategy and ongoing collaboration in the sector. Since 2011, the United States has provided nearly $2 billion in foreign assistance to strengthen Tunisia’s economy and security and support its young democracy. That …
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Smart 5G Decisions Today Can Preserve the Security and Privacy of all Tunisians Op-Ed by Donald Blome, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia The United States and Tunisia have an enduring partnership, based on shared interests and, more importantly, shared values. 10 years ago, Tunisians stood up for freedom, democracy and the dignity of every individual. Since …
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U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Sfax, Ridha Fourati, the Director General, Ikram Makni, and a group of Sfaxian business owners during a webinar to discuss U.S. economic support and investment in Sfax and throughout Tunisia. The U.S. Embassy in Tunis has a long-standing partnership with the Sfax Chamber of Commerce aimed …
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On December 2nd, U.S Ambassador Donald Blome joined British Ambassador Edward Oakden, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Investment Promotion Ali Kooli and African Development Bank (AfDB) Director-General of North Africa, Muhammad Al-Azizi, , in a virtual meeting. The event was part of AfDB’s Souk At-Tanmia project to celebrate more than 80 entrepreneurs who won competitions to develop new technologies or …
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first virtual “Open Day” to talk about U.S.-funded exchange programs! For anyone who missed the Live event or would like to watch it again, please follow the links below to the Facebook Live recordings. Special thanks to our Tunisian alumni who participated with us, as well as …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met with the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines, Salwa Sghaier. They discussed aspects of bilateral economic cooperation and means of strengthening this cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, renewable resources, and industry. Ambassador Blome reaffirmed the United States’ continued support for Tunisia’s economy through enhancing the competitiveness of industrial institutions, …
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Joint Press Release U.S. Embassy in Tunis and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries The United States Supports the Agriculture Industry through the Successful Implementation of the Training Center for Feed Manufacturing October 22, 2020 U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Donald Blome, and the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Akissa Bahri, joined members of the Tunisian National Institute for …
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Ambassador Donald Blome met with Minister of Justice Mohamed Boussetta at the Ministry of Justice. Ambassador Blome and Minister Boussetta discussed the excellent U.S.-Tunisia bilateral relations and the continuous U.S. support to the Ministry’s reform initiatives to enhance access to justice for all Tunisian citizens.
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October 6-7, 2020 marks the 34th annual Joint Military Commission (JMC), an event symbolic of the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Tunisia which dates back to the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1797. This year’s JMC at the Ministry of Defense Officers’ Club was attended by Minister of Defense Brahim …
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U.S. Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper, visited Tunisia on September 30, 2020. During his visit, Secretary Esper met with Tunisian President Kais Saied at Carthage Palace. Secretary Esper expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the United States and Tunisia, dating back to the countries’ first agreement of friendship and trade in 1799. …
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Dr. Faouzi El Mehdi, Minister of Health, Ms. Marilena Viviani, Country Representative & UN Resident Representative, colleagues, and guests. Good morning. It is my great honor and pleasure to be with you today. When the pandemic reached Tunisia last March, the U.S. Government through USAID, committed $25 million to support the Government of Tunisia’s immediate …
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The U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. Stephen Townsend met, during his visit on September 9, with key Tunisian leadership, including Tunisian President Kais Saied and Tunisian Minister of Defense, Ibrahim Bartagi. He, also, attended a PPE donation ceremony held by the Tunisian Ministry of Defense, where both, Commander Gen. Stephen Townsend and Ambassador Donald Blome, …
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(as prepared) Brigadier General Ferjani and colleagues from the Department of Military Health, Good Morning. The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 continue to affect us all. General Townsend and I here to reaffirm U.S. commitment in working hand in hand with the Tunisian government to reinforce Tunisia’s COVID-19 prevention and response efforts. During my recent visits …
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Thank you Brigadier General Ferjani and the Department of Military Health for allowing me to join this very important event. While we all continue to face unprecedented challenges as a result of COVID-19, Tunisia has been extremely successful in combatting and preventing its spread. I hope to see Tunisia continue on this trajectory, and that …
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It is an honor to participate in the commemoration of one of America’s most solemn of holidays – Memorial Day. Every year, the United States takes pause on this day to remember all our military members who gave their lives in defense of our freedom, and this year has added significance as it coincides with …
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Today, Ambassador Donald Blome notified the Tunisian government that the United States Government has committed an additional $25 million grant of bilateral Economic Support Funding to strengthen the Government of Tunisia’s urgent COVID-19 prevention and response efforts. Funding will be used to support: National laboratory capacity focused on increasing testing capacity across the country Infection prevention …
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In an April 14 call, Ambassador Blome and Tunisia’s Minister of Finance, Mohamed Nizar Yaiche, discussed the latest disbursement of IMF funds and the government’s efforts to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambassador Blome assured the Minister that the United States is ready to consider all options to support Tunisia during this difficult …
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(TAP) – Interior Minister Hichem Mechichi met, on Wednesday in Tunis, U.S. ambassador in Tunis, Donald Blome. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the Tunisian-US cooperation, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, training and education, as well as issues of common interest, a statement of the Interior Ministry said. The two sides stressed the …
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Remarks of the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, R. Clarke Cooper Sabah alkhyr! I am honored and thrilled to join you all today here at the very first Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. Tunisia is a strong partner of the United States, and we are proud to stand with you. We salute …
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USAID Administrator Mark Green Meets the President of the Republic, Kais Saaied On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the President of the Republic, Kais Saied, received the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Mark Green. Mr. Green was on a working visit to Tunisia from February 16 to 18 as part of …
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Tunis – February 6, 2020 “Prosper Africa and the Joint Economic Committee demonstrated our commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Tunisia economic relationship and helping Tunisia become a gateway to Africa for U.S. firms.” – Ambassador Donald Blome, speaking at the Prosper Africa opening ceremony. U.S.-Tunisia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) At the third session of the U.S.-Tunisia …
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U.S.-Tunisia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Statement by the Republic of Tunisia and the United States of America At the third session of the U.S.-Tunisia Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held today, Friday the 7th of February, in Tunis, Tunisian Minister of Trade Omar Béhi and U.S. Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Joseph Semsar …
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Tunis, Tunisia 06 February 2020 U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Prosper Africa initiative is partnering with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and the nations of Africa. This partnership ensures businesses are equipped with the technical and financial tools they need to …
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Good evening, everyone. It is my pleasure to join you for the closing ceremony for the fourth edition of Open Start Up Tunisia. First, I would like to acknowledge many contributions that have made OST4 a success. To the organizing committee led by Houda Ghozzi, you have a built a model of entrepreneurship education that …
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Good evening everyone; I am delighted to participate in this graduation ceremony, celebrating the 132 Tunisian youth who have been trained and placed in jobs through the U.S. embassy’s Education for Employment project. I would like to thank the Interim Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Tawfik Rajhi, Maitre Donia Ellouz and the entire Education …
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December 4-5, 2019 Ambassador Blome visited the Governor of Jendouba, Mr. Ali Marmouri, as well as the Mayor and other Tunisian government representatives of the region. This was followed by a press conference, in which he stressed that the U.S. is seeking to develop bilateral cooperation and boost the regional partnership in several sectors, especially …
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In support of the Fulbright alumni network, AMIDEAST Tunisia organized a conference for around 100 Fulbright alumni from Tunisia and Libya, November 22-25. The conference strengthened the Fulbright alumni community of the North Africa region, allowed Tunisian and Libyan alumni to develop leadership and community engagement skills, and facilitated innovative and cross-sectoral solutions to community …
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This morning we are celebrating one of Tunisia’s greatest treasures – El Jem – as well as the strong and growing U.S.-Tunisian partnership on cultural heritage preservation. The El Jem grant is – in fact – the seventh Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation project in Tunisia. Some of you may remember that we launched a …
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Ambassador Blome made his first official trip to Sfax this week. While in town, he met with Governor Anis Oueslati, the President of the University of Sfax and the heads of 19 other educational institutions based in Sfax. Ambassador Blome also had dinner with members of the local AmCham chapter, and visited students and classes …
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September 27, 2019 Good evening everyone; I am delighted to participate in this special awards ceremony. I want to thank Minister of Industry Slim Feriani, the FHI360 team, and the distinguished winners of the PAM PACK Awards competition. The United States has been a strong supporter of Tunisia’s economic growth; in fact, a substantial portion …
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Ambassador Blome’s Remarks at Launch of Tunisia OECD Competition Assessment Report Tunis, September 18, 2019 Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Sabaah – El – Kheer! It is a pleasure to be with you this morning at the launch of the OECD Competition Assessment Review for Tunisia. I would like to extend my gratitude to Minister …
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September 6, 2019 Ambassador Blome’s Remarks at the 2019 Independence Day Celebration Ladies and gentlemen, Good evening and welcome! Thank you for joining us. Thanks in particular for adjusting your schedules to allow us to host you on September 6 instead of July 4! I would like to thank in particular: His Excellency Kamel Morjane, …
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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIA NOTE Joint Statement by the United States of America and the Republic of Tunisia U.S. SIGNS LANDMARK AGREEMENT WORTH UP TO ONE BILLION DINARS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF TUNISIA August 28, 2019 The U.S. Government’s development agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a landmark five-year …
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Ambassador Blome participated in the unveiling ceremony of “A Thousand and One Hands.” It is a ceramic mural on the side of the “Ibn Rachiq” Cultural Center in downtown Tunis. This large mural is composed of 1024 individual tiles created by 600 Tunisians across the country, and was partly financed by the American Embassy and …
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Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Sabaah – El – Kheer! It is a pleasure to be with you this morning at GE Renewable Energy Day. I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency Slim Feriani, Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, Lotfi Ben Sassi, Economic Advisor to the Head of Government, and …
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In the presence of the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mohamed Zine El Abidine, and Tunisian government and parliament representatives, Ambassador Blome launched the Oudhna archeological site restauration project. The site located in the Ben Arous Governorate, and the project will restore the ancient cisterns and provide storage for ancient artifacts. Work on the site, which …
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May 21, 2019 – This year’s Lag B’Omer ceremony and Al Ghriba pilgrimage coincided with the month of Ramadan. This was a strong example of religious coexistence and freedom of expression. Ambassador Blome joined Tunisian government officials and other honorable guests at an Iftar offered by the Jewish community, a gesture emphasizing once again the …
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May 22, 2019 – Good evening, exchange alumni. Romdankoum Mabrouk, wa kol 3am Wintuma B’khir. This is my first Ramadan in Tunisia as Ambassador of the United States, and I am so honored to share it with you here in beautiful Djerba. There are countless things that make Ramadan a special month in this country, …
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Minister Chalghoum, I want to thank the Tunisian government, your colleagues here at the Ministry of Finance, and you personally for your assistance in finalizing this important agreement between our two countries. I am delighted to be here today to sign the agreement on behalf of my government. I look forward to seeing it entered …
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The Ambassador’s visit to Sousse supported U.S. engagement and economic initiatives in the region. During his visit, he inaugurated the new location of Amideast Center, and a new factory of SARTEX, which produces American jeans in Tunisia for export to Europe. He also visited Tunisia’s first probation office, a pilot project designed to rehabilitate prisoners …
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On April 16-18, 2019, Ambassador Blome visited Tozeur and Kibili, which he identified as important regions to demonstrate U.S. economic development and diplomacy support. On the trip, he visited a number of beneficiaries of U.S. assistance, including the Kibili Municipality, a date farm, and a public school. He also spoke to citizens of the region …
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Thank you, Mr. President of the INLUCC and Mr. Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning and welcome. Thank you for inviting me to attend the inauguration of the regional office of the Anti-Corruption Authority (INLUCC) in the governorate of Medenine. This is the opening of the second of five offices that the Embassy is supporting in interior regions. The United States collaborates with Tunisia …
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Chief of Staff Ferchichi, Director General Ben Halima, Representatives of partner organizations and artisans, Esteemed journalists, Hello and welcome. I am delighted to be here to participate in the signing of the partnership agreement between the ONAT and Family Health International (FHI) 360. I am also glad to be a part of this impressive Tunisian …
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USAID and Tunisia JOBS organized the “Women Entrepreneurs’ Forum” on Wednes- day, March 6, 2019. The Forum celebrated In- ternational Women’s Rights Day, with the Min- ister of Vocational Training and Employment, His Excellency the United States Ambassador to Tunisia, the USAID Mission Director, and the Tunisia JOBS Chief of Party in attendance. The event …
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Good morning and Welcome to everyone صباح الخير ومرحبا بكم جميعا I am very pleased to be here today. As you all know, I am pretty new around here/I have just started working in Tunis, but I’ve already heard quite a bit lot about the Sharekna project. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to see …
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Ambassador Remarks at the Women Entrepreneurship Forum March 6, 2019 at the Movenpick Hotel in Gammarth Minister Ounissi, distinguished and honored guests, good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you today to celebrate your success. صباحَ الْخير السيّدة سيّدة الونيسي وزيرةْ التَكْوِين المِهْنِي والتَّشْغِيل؛ حَضَرَات الضُّيوف الْكِرام؛ سعيدٌ أنْ أَكُونَ بَيْنَكم اليوم لِلْاِحْتِفال …
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On February 22 at the American Center, Ambassador Blome introduced himself and the U.S. Embassy’s mission to a group of Tunisians who are participating in a Public Affairs-funded English Conversation Course that focuses on developing English language skills through discussion of U.S. government, economy, and culture. During their visit, participants asked questions and heard first-hand …
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