The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , is being honored as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. Initiated in 2004, this award 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 be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “Tunisia, being the cradle 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 within Washington DC and across the nation, helping to sustain the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in building bridges between the USA and the Arab world , with particular emphasis on Tunisia .
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward 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 , NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Throughout her tenure, to bolstering multifaceted relations between both nations. Recent accomplishments include:
> Celebrating the establishment of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, spearheaded by bipartisan leadership in Congress.
> 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress more info , 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 abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.