WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The MNNA designation does not provide countries with the same security guarantees as a NATO ally, but affirms an exceptionally close relationship.
“I hereby designate the Republic of Tunisia as a major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the [Foreign Assistance] Act and the Arms Export Control Act.”
Major Non-NATO allies are eligible for military assistance, defense cooperation and other forms of foreign aid.
The new designation follows a June 28, 2015 terror attack at a beach resort in Sousse, Tunisia. The Islamic State terrorist group took responsibility for the attack that killed 38 individuals.
