May 5, 2020
Release

Readout of the Bilateral Engagement With His Excellency Imed Hazgui, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Tunisia

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Jonathan Hoffman provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with Tunisian Minister of Defense Imed Hazgui today by telephone. The two leaders discussed the historic and deepening partnership between the Tunisian and U.S. militaries to address security concerns, counterterrorism priorities, and border security objectives.

Secretary Esper highlighted Tunisia's strategic importance to the United States and underscored the United States' enduring commitment to Tunisia. He commended Minister Hazgui on the Tunisian military's transformation to address new threats and challenges as diverse as terrorism, border security, and even coronavirus.

Minister Hazgui underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship based on mutual trust and confidence, thanking Secretary Esper for the United States' support for the development of the Tunisian Armed Forces. He emphasized Tunisia's role as a gateway to North Africa and the Sahel.

Both Secretary Esper and Minister Hazgui expressed their sincere commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral partnership founded on common values and mutual security interests.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2177407/