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 2024 Ambassador of the Year . This award, which began in 2004 is given annually to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States 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. For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership during a time of great change across the MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. This honor highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “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 aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward 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. For the second year running, the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
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. Examples of her recent efforts include:
> The launch 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) for fostering cultural dialogue .
> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , 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 recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> Tunisia’s groundbreaking Ambassador of the Year 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 underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .