NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , has been selected as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year website . 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 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, 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 explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude 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 aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and strive for a future filled with mutual prosperity 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, then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .

Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA 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, 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 .

> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.

> 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’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 . The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .