奥巴马将会见突尼斯总统埃塞卜西

House Thursday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi to help underscore Washington's support for the country's democratic transition.

President Essebsi came to power following historic elections in December.

U.S. officials say the presidents will discuss increasing U.S. military and economic aid to Tunisia, which is dealing with massive youth unemployment and the threat of regional instability.

Long-time president Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted by democratic protests in 2011 that inspired the Arab Spring uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East.

The country has since held several successful elections, and despite bouts of violence, the country's secular and Islamist parties have largely avoided the turmoil that spread through other Arab Spring countries.