NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, is being honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . This award, which began in 2004 is given annually to an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA 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. For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship during a time of great change across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , has encountered significant obstacles 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 the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , with particular emphasis on Tunisia .
Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and strive for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has been a trailblazer . For the second year running, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to NUSACC AOY the United States .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between both nations. Recent accomplishments include:
> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) .
> Being honored with the Kindness Award by the Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) for fostering cultural dialogue .
> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .