NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, has been selected as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. This award, which began in 2004 is presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The exclusive award ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC 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 ,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “As the birthplace 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 American 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, “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 our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in building bridges between the Arab world and the United States, with particular emphasis on Tunisia .
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our NUSACC Ambassador of the Year 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. This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to 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 Throughout her tenure, to bolstering political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia 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), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, 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 . Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , 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. This year’s accolade underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .