Following a senior State Department official's trip to Tunisia this week, the White House announced Wednesday that President Barack Obama will meet next month with Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa.
President Obama, the White House said, will host the Tunisian prime minister in Washington as a continued "demonstration of the strong bonds of friendship between the American and Tunisian people, and America’s enduring commitment to Tunisia’s democratic transition." Obama "looks forward to discussing the commitment Tunisia's leaders have made to advancing Tunisia's democracy and how the United States can further support Tunisia's historic transition."
The two leaders are expected to discuss American economic, political, and security assistance to the Tunisian government as the prime minister works to reform the government and stabilize the North African country.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom completed her two-day visit to Tunisia on Tuesday. While there, she met with government officials, business leaders, students, and community representatives to bolster the U.S-Tunisia relationship. The State Department noted Tuesday that U.S. support to Tunisia's political stabilization and economic rejuvenation "is a top priority for the United States."
Tunisia has struggled politically and economically in the years since the Jasmine Revolution in 2011.
[White House] [State Department]
