Visiting Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi stressed on Tuesday his country's support for the recently-formed 34-state Islamic alliance to fight terrorism.

Speaking to the Saudi news agency, Essebsi said it is the right time to form such military alliances to overcome challenges threatening the region.

He stressed the importance of foiling attempts to tarnish the peaceful image of Islam.

Essebsi started an official visit to Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, where he will meet with a number of Saudi officials to discuss with them ways of boosting bilateral relations in all fields.

Source: MENA