NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, has been selected as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. Initiated in 2004, this award is given annually to a member of 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 the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC this December . 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 MENA region ,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” 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, with particular emphasis on the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward a brighter and more prosperous future 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, the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations 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) for fostering cultural dialogue .
> Leading the creation of 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.
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, 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 recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, NUSACC AOY 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. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.