Tunis — World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim will visit Tunisia January 23-24, his first official visit to the Middle East and North Africa region since becoming Bank president July 2012.

"Two years ago this month the Tunisian people captured the world's attention by setting off the revolutions that became known as the Arab Spring," said Kim. "The Tunisian people showed the world not only their courage, but also the universal need for government accountability, transparency and equity. I look forward to hearing directly from the Tunisian people and leaders about their progress toward these goals."

During his visit, Kim will meet with government leaders, political and civil society representatives, and business and union representatives, to discuss how the World Bank Group can best continue to support Tunisia's ongoing transition, sustain more inclusive growth and create more jobs and opportunities. Meetings with government and civil society representatives will focus on voice, transparency and accountability initiatives in Tunisia and how civil society can further its efforts to provide oversight and feedback to government programs.

The Bank Group President will also discuss with leaders the importance of implementing reforms that pave the way for economic growth and medium-term job creation.

Kim will be accompanied by Inger Andersen, Vice President for Middle East and North Africa; Dimitris Tsitsiragos, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Vice President for Eastern and Southern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa; Simon Gray, Country Director for the Maghreb; Eileen Murray, Country Manager for Tunisia; and Antoine Courcelle-Labrousse, IFC Resident Representative for Tunisia.