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 given annually 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 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 contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ stated David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, 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 reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in fostering strong relationships between the Arab world and the United States, especially the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we will continue to strengthen 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 been a trailblazer . This marks check here the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. The 2023 honoree 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 , to bolstering multifaceted relations 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) .
> 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> 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. This year’s accolade underscores the enduring importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.