NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, 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 United States for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.
The exclusive award ceremony will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. Click here to see 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 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “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 communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , helping to sustain a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. Such recognition highlights the strong ties between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in building bridges between the Arab world and the United States, with particular emphasis on Tunisia .
Together, we will continue to strengthen 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 been a trailblazer . NUSACC AOY This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. 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 multifaceted relations between both nations. Recent accomplishments include:
> Celebrating the establishment 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) in recognition of her dedication to intercultural cooperation.
> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , 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 Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> 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 . This year’s accolade underscores the enduring importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.