Tunis — Tunisia's Defence Minister, Mr Kamel Morjane who is currently leading the Tunisian delegation at the joint Tunisian-American military commission in Washington, met on Monday with the US Defence Secretary, Mr Robert Gates at the Pentagon.

Mr Morjane also met with Mr David Welch, Under-Secretary of State in charge of North Africa and the Middle East as well as with Mr Steven Mull, Under-Secretary of State in charge of political and military affairs.

The talks provided the Tunisian Minister with the opportunity to review the state of bilateral military cooperation and the prospects for boosting it further.

Following the meeting, Mr Gates said Tunisia was a "credible and serious partner in the region", adding that it could always count on the United State 's support.

For their part, Mr David Welch and Mr Steven Mull stressed the good relations between both countries, and commended Tunisia 's role in the promotion of peace, tolerance, and openness in the region and in the world, as well as its efforts in the fight against terrorism.