Magharebia

Dozens of Tunisians attended a reception at the American Embassy in Tunis on Monday (July 2nd) to celebrate US Independence Day. Tunisian transport minister Abdel Rahim Zaouari attended the reception alongside members of parliament, journalists, artists, businessmen and students who benefited from scholarships in the U.S.

The event featured performances by singers Abdelwahab Hanachi and Sarah Nelson, accompanied by a US Navy band.

U.S. Ambassador Robert F. Godec praised the "excellent relations between the United States and Tunisia", and thanked the Tunisian people for sharing the celebration of liberty and freedom, which Tunisians cherish as much as Americans, he added.

Godec said two centuries after 56 men signed their names to a declaration of independence, "freedom remains the very foundation of our nation [and] shapes our view of the world. As our declaration affirms we believe all men are endowed by God with certain rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we believe, too, that government must serve the people and draws its power only from their consent."