US designates Tunisia as major non-NATO ally

U.S. President Barack Obama upgraded the ally status of Tunisia on Friday, designating the northern African nation as a major non-NATO ally of the U.S.

The status will qualify Tunisia for certain privileges in defense and security cooperation, making it easier for the country to get financial and military aid from Washington.

Obama announced the decision in a memorandum for Secretary of State John Kerry, according to a statement issued by the White House.

Obama hosted Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi in May at the White House, pledging continued economic aid and other support to help the ongoing transition in Tunisia.

After their meeting, Obama told reporters that he intended to designate Tunisia as a major non-NATO ally of the U.S "in recognition of the importance that we place on the security and diplomatic relationship with Tunisia".

Citing "the excellent progress" already made in Tunisia's transformation into "an inclusive and functioning democracy," Obama told Essebsi that "the United States is fully committed to working with Tunisia so that it can continue to build on this success."

Countries with this designation include Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Korea.