NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , is being honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . Initiated in 2004, this award is presented every year to an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.
The exclusive award ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship in a period marked by substantial shifts across the MENA region ,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , has encountered significant obstacles in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to explain these challenges and opportunities to American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , especially the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and strive for a brighter and more prosperous future 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 , the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient 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 multifaceted relations between both nations. Examples of her recent efforts include:
> The launch 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.
> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..
> The United States being more info the first major power to recognize Tunisia’s sovereignty in 1956 .
> President Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . This year’s accolade underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .