NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, has been selected as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . Initiated in 2004, this award is given annually to an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The invitation-only ceremony will take place at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , helping to sustain a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . This honor reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , especially Tunisia .
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward a future filled with mutual prosperity for all.” Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s first female Ambassador to the United States, has set a remarkable example. This marks the second consecutive year , NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , to bolstering political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia and the United States . Examples of her recent efforts include:
> Celebrating the establishment of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) .
> Receiving the Kindness Award from the Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) in recognition of her dedication to intercultural cooperation.
> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , such as:
> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson NUSACC AOY and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.