World Bank to give 6bn to Egypt, Tunisia

2011-05-25 09:44

Washington - The president of the World Bank says it will provide up to $6 billion to Egypt and Tunisia to help them modernise their economies as they undertake democratic reforms after the ouster of their longtime presidents.

Robert Zoellick said the bank was working closely with the International Monetary Fund and other development banks to stabilise the economies of the two Arab nations. He said these efforts would be discussed with the Group of Eight nations at their meeting later this week in Deauville, France.

Egypt and Tunisia have been invited to the summit.

Zoellick said on Tuesday people in the Middle East and North Africa have the opportunity to take destiny in their own hands. He said the financial support of the bank can sustain momentum and accelerate programmes but only if coupled with real reform.

- AP