Tunisia PM to meet Obama

Tunisia’s interim Prime Minister, Mehdi Jomaa, talked about security in North Africa in the aftermath of the Arab Spring which affected all the countries in the region and the struggling Tunisian finances. He is in the U.S to meet President Obama and their discussion would be centering on Tunisia’s transitional period and its walk towards democracy.
In an interview with Associated Press, the prime minister of the technocratic government said extremism has been reduced because the security personnel has “learned how to confront [them] over the past three years” claiming that security “is much more under control” compared to the past couple of years.
The economy is still lagging behind. The visit to Washington could also be an opportunity to acquire aid in reviving its growth. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have been supporting Tunisia in its efforts.
The trip will also serve as an opportunity to convince American investors to enter the Tunisian market. The Prime Minster has already made his intentions clear as he optimistically stated that apart from the budget deficits, “Tunisia remains attractive to private investment and in the coming months, you will see many investors coming to Tunisia.”
Inflation could threaten the transitional process after protesters occupied the roads when it reached 6% last year. The government is planning to reform its subsidy policies. Jomaa believes that “the consensus” which led to the drafting and adoption of a constitution tagged as the most progressive in the region will also help them “overcome the difficulties…through this difficult period and lead us to calmer waters.”
The prime minister said talks with the U.S. would include requests for advanced equipment to fight terrorism. “When we have such needs, we speak with all our friends, particularly the Americans” he said.