TUNIS: The Ministry of Defence received a surplus C-130H military transport aircraft from the United States Army on Monday at the Sidi Ahmed airbase (Bizerte governorate) during a ceremony presided over by Defence Minister Khaled Shili. “The aircraft will strengthen the Air Force’s fleet and develop its operational and logistical transport capabilities,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the handover ceremony was attended by US Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood, Deputy Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, Jason Hinds, and senior military officers from Tunisia and the United States. In his remarks, the Minister praised the level of bilateral cooperation and the commitment of the Tunisian and US sides to implement the provisions of the agreements concluded between them, in particular those related to the results of the Tunisian-US Joint Military Commissions.

He also hailed the excellent relations between Tunisia an
d the United States and the strategic partnership based on common interests and mutual respect between the two parties. Shili stressed the Ministry’s keenness to develop and strengthen this cooperation to serve the interests of both parties, particularly in terms of the development of operational capabilities, exchange of expertise in military training and provision of specialised equipment and supplies, particularly in the field of operational and logistical transport.

For his part, the US ambassador reiterated that the Air Force’s receipt of this aircraft demonstrates the strength of the strategic relationship between the two countries. He stressed his country’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the Air Force to meet security challenges and humanitarian needs.