US pledges to support Tunisia in facing economic challenges

SMA NEWS – TUNIS

Washington reaffirmed its “strong commitment” to Tunisia on Tuesday, at a time when the government in North African is holding negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to obtain a financial aid plan that would limit the repercussions of the worsening economic crisis.

During a phone call to Tunisian President Kais Saied, US Vice President Kamala Harris “underscored the United States’ sustained commitment to supporting Tunisia’s democracy.”

“The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and fighting corruption, ” said the US president’s readout.

Some Tunisian analysts saw in the emphasis on Tunisia’s democratic institutions” an allusion to the squabbling between heads of Tunisian government branches over prerogatives, leading to an impasse over the formation of a constitutional court and the reshuffling of the cabinet.

The Tunisian presidency said in a statement the two sides discussed the economic, financial and social situation in Tunisia.

The US vice president later tweeted “we stand with Tunisia as it makes the economic reforms necessary to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.”