The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed 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 given annually 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 take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership during a time of great change across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, has encountered significant obstacles 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 .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “Being recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team for their steadfast dedication in building bridges between the Arab world and the United States, especially Tunisia .
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and strive for a brighter and more prosperous future 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 North African female diplomat. 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 Ambassador of the Year and the United States . Examples of her recent efforts include:
> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, spearheaded by bipartisan leadership in Congress.
> Being honored with the Kindness Award by 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. 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 . A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement 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..
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.