TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron, who has made numerous trips to Africa, is in Tunisia for two days to further boost the close partnership between France and the North African country, a budding democracy struggling economically while contending with Islamic extremists.

It is Macron's first state visit — the highest-level trip — since taking office last May, underscoring the importance of Wednesday and Thursday's event for both sides.

A four-point accord setting out ties for years to come in the economic, security and judicial, cultural and educational spheres was being signed.

His office said that Macron, traveling with a delegation of business leaders and cultural figures, will give a major speech Thursday before parliament to affirm French support for Tunisia's democratic transition as a model of hope for the Arab-Muslim world.