国际英语新闻:Obama pledges expanded strategic partnership with Tunisia

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday pledged to expand the strategic partnership with Tunisia, as the North Africa country has completed its political transition.

In their conversation over the phone, Obama congratulated his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi on his victory in the country's first presidential election after the removal of former leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.

Obama "underscored the United States' intent to continue strengthening and expanding our strategic partnership with Tunisia and emphasized our readiness to assist the incoming government as it works to meet all Tunisians' aspirations for security and economic opportunity," the White House said in a statement.

Essebsi took office on Dec. 31, and a former interior minister was named on Monday to head a new government, in steps that take Tunisia toward the end of a four-year transition.

Obama invited Essebsi for a visit to Washington to continue discussions "at a mutually agreeable date," the White House said.