NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , has been selected as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. 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 this December . Click here to see 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, Chief Executive Officer of NUSACC . “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in fostering strong relationships between the Arab world and the United States, 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 Ambassador of the Year the United States, has been a trailblazer . This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between both nations. 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) .
> Being honored with the Kindness Award by 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), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. 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 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> 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 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.