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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

TUNIS, February 12, 2024 – U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood, acting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Jennifer Zakriski, and U.S. Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs Major General Kenneth Ekman met with Tunisian Minister of National Defense Imed Memmich to discuss the United States and Tunisia's longstanding bilateral cooperation on security, particularly through the annual Joint Military Commission, scheduled for later this year in Tunis. 

U.S. Ambassador Hood remarked on the historical partnership between our nations, “From the beginning of its existence as an independent country, the United States has enjoyed a close friendship with Tunisia and strong diplomatic ties. The benefits of over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian cooperation are clear when looking at our military security partnerships, which have grown tremendously in the past decade as Tunisia has transitioned to become a regional provider of security expertise, including through its support for UN peacekeeping operations.”  

Zakriski said, “Convening senior level working groups set the stage for the Joint Military Commission, reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Tunisia, and underscored the Department of Defense’s support for expanding Tunisia Armed Forces’ role as a regional security leader.”

"Tunisia plays a pivotal role as a security leader in Africa,” Ekman said. “U.S. Africa Command appreciates the strong relationship between our nations' militaries and remains committed to working alongside our Tunisian partners to achieve shared security objectives and foster stability throughout Africa. I'm thankful for our meeting with Minister Memmich and for the productive discussions that have occurred.”

Meetings held throughout the week provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to bolster mutual defense and security objectives. Topics covered included security cooperation, institutional capacity building, border security, and a review of multi-million-dollar defense capacity building programs for Tunisia which are funded by the United States.  

Discussions also highlighted the success of recent joint military exercises, the U.S. commitment to strengthening Tunisian border security and countering terrorist threats, as well as international challenges of mutual concern including instability in the Sahel and beyond.

The two countries agreed to continue working closely together to strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership and achieve mutual strategic interests in accordance with goals of the U.S.-Tunisian Roadmap for Defense Cooperation which includes capacity building, military interoperability, force readiness, and regional security contributions.

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, and is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response on the African continent in support of U.S. interests and to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. 

The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration. 

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.