TUNIS, Feb. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Saturday praised Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco for their role in combating terrorism and hoped to strengthen the cooperation with the three nations in this field.

    Speaking to reporters after concluding visit to Tunisia, Rumsfeld said Tunisia has played an important role in fighting terrorism not only at home but also in the Middle East.

    The United States hopes to further strengthen the constructive cooperation with Tunisia in the military and diplomatic sectors, Rumsfeld said.

    Rumsfeld arrived in Tunisia on Saturday for a visit. Tunisia is the first leg of Rumsfeld's three-day North African tour which will also take him to Algeria and Morocco, In Algeria and Morocco, he is expected to discuss anti-terror cooperation with the leaders of the two countries.

    This is Rumsfeld's first visit to the three nations since he became U.S. defense secretary. Enditem