Bill Bazzi, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to present his vision for strengthening ties with the North African country.
Drawing on a personal journey that began without formal education, Bazzi highlighted his 21 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he said he learned “discipline, resilience, and service.” Now serving as a mayor, he described his path as a testament to perseverance and opportunity, pledging to bring that same commitment to his diplomatic role if confirmed.
Turning to Tunisia, Bazzi underlined that his top priority would be ensuring “the safety and security of Americans living in and visiting Tunisia.” He stressed that Washington seeks “a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with Tunisia, one that fosters cooperation on commercial opportunities, eliminates threats, and projects stability in the region.”
He pledged to build on more than two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian relations, citing shared interests in counterterrorism, curbing irregular migration, and strengthening economic and cultural ties. “Every dollar the United States invests in Tunisia should yield a significant return on investment,” he said, adding that he would work to expand markets for American companies while deepening economic linkages.
Acknowledging Tunisia’s economic and political challenges, Bazzi committed to “engage with Tunisians from across the political and economic spectrum” to better understand their aspirations and identify areas of cooperation.
If confirmed, his appointment would mark a new phase in U.S.-Tunisia relations, with an emphasis on security, trade, and long-term partnership.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Editorial Staff)
