NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , is being honored 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 United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The invitation-only ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has 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, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “Tunisia, being the cradle 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 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 NUSACC . This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the Arab world and the United States, with particular emphasis on Tunisia .
Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and strive for NUSACC Amassador of the Year a future filled with mutual prosperity 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, NUSACC has recognized 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 .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, to bolstering multifaceted relations between Tunisia and the United States . 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) .
> Receiving the Kindness Award from 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement 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 abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . This year’s accolade underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .