Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali congratulated Barack Obama on his inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, official TV channel reported on Tuesday.

"I am delighted, to extend to you, once again, in my own name and on behalf of the Tunisian government and people, my heartfelt congratulations and sincere wishes of good health, happiness and success, and to the friendly American people continuous progress and prosperity," the report quoted Ben Ali as saying.

"I am also convinced that you will spare no effort to strive to establish peace and stability in the region of the Middle East and to consolidate the foundations of justice, security and prosperity in the world," he added.

Ben Ali appreciated the close and long-standing friendly and cooperative ties between Tunisia and the United States, saying that they will be bolstered further on the determination of both countries.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2009)