Tunisia-President Kais Saied meets U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper

President Kais Saïed met  with U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper at the Carthage Palace

During this meeting, both sides stressed the necessity to expand bilateral relationships, especially in the areas of defence, security, counter-terrorism and the economy. The meeting addressed regional issues of common interest.

The Head of State praised the “age-long” relations between the two countries, applauding strategic bilateral cooperation in the military and security fields.

President Said recalled, in this context, the support provided by the United States to Tunisia during the various stages of its contemporary history.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, Saïed emphasised that this issue entails a comprehensive approach that addresses the social and economic causes behind this phenomenon.

For his part, the U.S. Defence Secretary said his country shares Tunisia’s position on the fight against terrorism.

He expressed the willingness of the United States to strengthen cooperation with Tunisia in several areas, citing in particular, the security and military aspects.

While commending Tunisia’s role as a major non-member ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Ester reaffirmed his country’s readiness to improve Tunisian capabilities in various fields.

The meeting also focused on the Libyan crisis. To this end, Saïed welcomed the “positive” developments that have recently taken place in the Libyan issue, reiterating Tunisia’s position in favour of an inter-Libyan political solution, far from any foreign interference.

In this context, the U.S. Defence Secretary expressed his country’s readiness to contribute to the achievement of a peaceful settlement of the Libyan conflict that would bring stability to the region.