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 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 outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The invitation-only ceremony will take place 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 contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer 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 both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . This honor highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team 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, the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . 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 NUSACC Ambassador of the Year her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between Tunisia and the United States . Examples of her recent efforts include:
> Celebrating the establishment 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 .
> Playing a pivotal role in establishing 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 .
> 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 recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> 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 value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .