The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) 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 . This award, which began in 2004 is presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA 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 “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted 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 communicate Tunisia’s 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..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in building bridges 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.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has set a remarkable example. For the second year running, the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Throughout her tenure, to bolstering political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia and the United States . Recent accomplishments 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.
> Playing a pivotal role in establishing 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 , highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The NUSACC Amassador of the Year 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 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 reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .