Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lempert, and National Security Council Director for North Africa Jeremy Berndt visited Tunisia on December 7. During the visit, the delegation met with President Kais Saied, Prime Minister Najla Bouden, Minister of Foreign Affairs Othman Jerandi, and Minister of Finance Sihem Boughediri Nemsia to discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global matters. The delegation underscored the historic nature of the U.S.-Tunisia bilateral partnership, now in its third century, and opportunities for strengthening the partnership over the coming year, including in the areas of bilateral security and counter-terrorism cooperation. The delegation reaffirmed continued U.S. support for improving the investment climate in Tunisia, including through participation in the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment; for bolstering Tunisia’s Social Safety Net program; and for essential reforms to enhance Tunisia’s economic stability and increase economic opportunities for the Tunisian people. In the lead up to Tunisia’s December 17 parliamentary elections, the delegation expressed support for the Tunisian people’s aspirations for a democratic, accountable, and transparent government. Both sides welcomed the forthcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and the visit of President Saied to Washington.
