The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) announced today that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , is being honored as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. This award, which began in 2004 is given annually to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.
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. “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship during a time of great change across the 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 journey toward democracy .
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , 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 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in building bridges between the USA and the Arab world , with particular emphasis on 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 the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a female ambassador NUSACC AOY from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing political, commercial, and cultural ties between both nations. 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, 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 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> 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 . This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.