NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today 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 presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The exclusive award ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. For more details, view 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 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, has encountered significant obstacles in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to explain these challenges and opportunities to American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , helping to sustain 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 highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in building bridges between the Arab world and the United States, especially the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and strive for a future filled with mutual prosperity for all.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi 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 .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between Tunisia and the United States . Recent accomplishments include:
> Celebrating the establishment 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.
> 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 , bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive NUSACC AOY 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’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..
> The United States being the first major power to recognize Tunisia’s sovereignty in 1956 .
> President Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.