Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Tunisian President Kais Saied

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper met with Tunisian President Kais Saied at Carthage Palace in Tunisia today. 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. The two leaders discussed shared concerns about the threat terrorism and malign actors pose to regional stability and the sovereignty of African countries.  Secretary Esper and President Saied also exchanged ideas on how Tunisia and the United States can strengthen their security relationship in service to the values held by the American and Tunisian people.  Secretary Esper thanked Tunisia, a key U.S. security partner and a Major Non-NATO Ally, for its active contribution to regional security and encouraged its continued efforts.  He emphasized the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with Tunisia to further progress made in countering violent extremism and defending international norms.