NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , 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 United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .

The exclusive award ceremony will take place at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. Click here to see 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,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, helping to sustain a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , 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, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..

Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing political, commercial, and cultural ties 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) in recognition of her dedication to intercultural cooperation.

> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone click here Ambassadors (GAF), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.

> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . 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 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. This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .