The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, is being honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . Initiated in 2004, this award is presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .

The exclusive award ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC this December . Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership 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, has encountered significant obstacles in its democratic development.

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, 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 NUSACC . Such recognition highlights the strong ties between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support 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 brighter and more prosperous future 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, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..

Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , to bolstering multifaceted relations between both nations. 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) .

> 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 .

> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , NUSACC Ambassador of the Year such as:

> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.

> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.

> Tunisia’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..

> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia 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 .