Tunisian Minister of Defense Discusses Military Cooperation with US Deputy Secretary of War
The Tunisian Minister of Defense, Khaled Shili, held a phone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of War for International Security Affairs, Daniel Zimmerman, on Friday.
Discussion Topics
According to a statement, the two parties discussed ways to strengthen and develop military cooperation between Tunisia and the United States. They also talked about the action plan of the Tunisian-American joint military commission, which is scheduled to take place in the United States in May.
Importance of Cooperation
During the phone call, the Minister of National Defense emphasized the importance of Tunisian-American cooperation, stressing the need to continue efforts to consolidate the friendship between the two countries and support the strong historical relations between Tunisia and the United States, based on trust, mutual respect, and shared human values.
Strategic Partnership
Shili also took the opportunity to praise the "privileged level" of the strategic partnership between Tunisia and the United States in the fields of training, joint military exercises, and exchange of visits and expertise. He called for continued joint efforts and follow-up on the results of the Tunisian-American joint military commission, and to work on implementing the 2020-2030 military cooperation roadmap, particularly with regards to developing and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Tunisian National Army and improving its logistical capabilities to address non-conventional threats such as transnational organized crime, irregular migration, human trafficking, and border security.
Commitment to Cooperation
According to the same source, the Minister of National Defense affirmed that the periodic holding of the joint military commission is a testament to the commitment of both parties to coordinate their efforts and strengthen their cooperation in the service of the common interest of the two countries. He also expressed Tunisia's willingness to become a "regional and African hub for training and education" and to work on consolidating the foundations of security and stability in the region, emphasizing that Tunisian military centers and schools have trained over 400 military personnel from friendly African countries this year, which is a testament to the trust that Tunisia enjoys in the region.
US Commitment
For his part, the US Deputy Secretary of War for International Security Affairs praised the strong historical relations and strategic partnership between the two friendly countries, based on trust and mutual respect, reaffirming the commitment of the US administration to support the Tunisian army and provide the necessary equipment to strengthen its operational capabilities.
