The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) announced today that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , has been selected 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 invitation-only ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC this December . Click here to see 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 , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
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 a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support 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 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. 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, 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 multifaceted relations between both nations. Examples of her recent efforts include:
> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, co-chaired Ambassador of the Year 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), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> 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 Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .