The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, is being honored 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 USA for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.
The exclusive award ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel this December . For more details, view 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 MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of NUSACC . “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, has encountered significant obstacles in its journey toward democracy .
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, helping to sustain the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in building bridges between the USA and the Arab world , especially 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. For the second year running, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was Her Highness 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 political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia get more info and the United States . Recent accomplishments include:
> The launch 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. 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. A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.