TUNIS - In remarks made at the end of his meetings in two-day visit to the North African country, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld lauded Tunisia’s “successful” model and the country’s progress.
"We have a very long relationship with Tunisia," Rumsfeld said after the meetings. "Tunisia is a moderate Muslim nation that has been and is today providing very constructive leadership in the world. “
"They have demonstrated, if one looks at this successful country," the secretary noted, "the ability to create an environment that's hospitable to investment, to enterprise, and to opportunity for their people."
"What they have done it seems to me is move from a colony in 50 years -- a relatively short period of time -- to a democratic country that in different areas is moving at a different pace," he said.
The US secretary of defense was alluding to Tunisia’s celebration, this year, of the 50th anniversary of its independence. In 1956, the United states was the first western power to recognize Tunisia’s independence.
Rumsfeld also expressed his appreciation to the Tunisian people for helping and supporting the US after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina last year.
He noted that the US Army fought some of its earliest and most difficult battles of World War II on Tunisian soil.
"I've had the privilege of visiting the cemetery at Carthage," he said, "which is an impressive reminder for all of us that freedom does not come without cost, and that our nations do need to remain to protect our people."
Rumsfeld, stressed Tunisia’s consistent stand against extremism and its long-standing relationship with the United States. He cited last spring's 20th meeting of the US-Tunisian joint military commission as one example of "very constructive military and diplomatic cooperation" between the two nations over the years.
During the visit, his first official trip to Tunisia, Rumsfeld met with President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and with Tunisian ministers of defense and foreign affairs.
Talks with President Ben Ali focused on “Tunisian American relations and the prospects of their development as well as current regional and international issues, “ said Tunisian officials.
These talks, said the official spokesman of the Presidency allowed for “a review of the strong and ancient ties of friendship between Tunisia and the United States and of the means to further develop this relationship based on the determination of the two countries to promote and enhance these ties.”
“There was also discussion of regional issues, especially developments in the Middle East and in Iraq,” added the spokesman. “President Ben Ali emphasized the determination of Tunisia to back international efforts aimed at ensuring calm and stability in the region.
He reiterated his hope that current developments in Iraq will contribute to guaranteeing the territorial integrity of Iraq allowing the latter to dedicate its efforts to the tasks of building and reconstruction.”
“There was also an exchange of views regarding developments pertaining to the Palestinian issue,” also said the spokesman. “President Ben Ali stressed in this regard the need to safeguard the achievements accomplished during the last few years as part of the peace process and to continue proving material assistance and support to the Palestinian Authority so as to alleviate the difficult conditions of the Palestinian people.”
“President Ben Ali also reiterated Tunisia’s unwavering stand against all forms of terrorism and extremism calling for concerted and joint efforts by the international community international to fight this scourge, which constitutes a threat to all humanity.”
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