NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, 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 exclusive award ceremony will take place 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 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. “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 American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , helping to sustain 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. 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 , with particular emphasis on the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and strive for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has been a trailblazer . For the second year running, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree 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 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) for fostering cultural dialogue .
> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes Ambassador of the Year cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> 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 importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.