Obama pledges continued support for transition in Tunisia

U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday pledged continued economic aid and other support to help the ongoing transition in Tunisia.

Citing "the excellent progress" already made in Tunisia's transformation into "an inclusive and functioning democracy," Obama told visiting Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi that "the United States is fully committed to working with Tunisia so that it can continue to build on this success."

Obama pledged expanded economic assistance as well as more education scholarship and exchange programs, vowing continuing joint efforts with Tunisia to combat terrorism in the region and prevent Libya from becoming a failed state.

"And in recognition of the importance that we place on the security and diplomatic relationship with Tunisia, I indicated to the president my intention to designate Tunisia as a major non- NATO ally of the United States," Obama told reporters at the conclusion of the meeting at the White House.

Such a title makes it easier for Tunisia to get financial and military aid from Washington.

Essebsi took office in December last year as Tunisia's first freely-elected president, after longtime President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted amid mass protests in 2011.

The North African country is beset, among others, by high unemployment among the youth and the threat of regional instability. A terrorist attack in March killed 22 people at the country's National Bardo Museum.

Acknowledging that "We have a long way ahead of us," Essebsi said, "We need the support of the U.S., and maybe the U.S. needs Tunisia too, now."

"Our two nations now have an unprecedented opportunity to forge an enduring partnership based on shared interests and values," Obama and Essebsi wrote in an article they co-authored on Thursday in The Washington Post. Endite