The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) announced today 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 an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The exclusive award ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel this December . Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership in a period marked by substantial shifts across the MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO 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 democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . This honor highlights the strong ties between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their steadfast dedication in building bridges 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 future filled with mutual prosperity 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 North African female diplomat. The 2023 honoree was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing political, commercial, and cultural ties between both nations. Recent accomplishments include:
> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, spearheaded by bipartisan leadership in Congress.
> 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 Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses read more .
> 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 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 .