Tunisia and the United States intend to give new impetus to their partnership in the transport sector. During a meeting in Tunis, the two parties displayed a convergence of views around structuring projects, ranging from civil aviation to rail, including digitalization and security, with the ambition of supporting growth and bilateral trade.
The Minister of Transport, Rachid Amri, received, Wednesday, December 24, the United States Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, to examine the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the transport sector. The discussions focused on the strategic areas of partnership and the means of translating the political will of the two countries into concrete projects. Transport has been presented as a central lever for economic development and international integration.
Priorities: aviation, ports, rail and digital
The two officials praised the quality of Tunisian-American relations in the field of transport, reaffirming their determination to raise them to a higher level. This dynamic is part, according to both parties, of the continuity of the political will displayed by the leaders of the two countries and of a logic of lasting cooperation in the service of shared interests.
Rachid Amri underlined the structuring role of the transport sector in strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of the air link between Tunisia and the United States, as well as cooperation in the implementation of priority national projects.
Civil aviation, maritime transport, ports and the railway network are among the areas considered key to supporting the modernization of infrastructure.
The minister also insisted on digitalization, the implementation of intelligent transport systems and the valorization of the expertise and skills available on both sides.
Modernization, security and economic growth
For his part, the American ambassador reaffirmed the priority given by Washington to the development of bilateral cooperation and the exchange of expertise. The stated objective is to modernize the multimodal transport system, while strengthening safety and security standards.
Bill Bazzi recalled the decisive role of transport in supporting economic growth, boosting trade and developing tourism between the two countries.
At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue consultations between Tunisian and American experts and specialists. This approach aims to develop concrete cooperation and partnership programs, as well as the promotion of investment in the transport and logistics sectors, with a view to mutual benefits for the two peoples.
A sectoral partnership that is part of a broader dynamic
This desire to strengthen Tunisian-American cooperation in transport is part of a more global movement to diversify Tunisia’s international partnerships. A few days earlier, a similar meeting brought together the Tunisian Minister of Health and the United States Ambassador in Tunis, highlighting the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the health field.
The discussions then focused on strategic areas such as the digitalization of health systems, artificial intelligence, training of human resources, scientific research and epidemiological surveillance according to the One Health approach.
