The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, has been selected as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. This award, which began in 2004 is presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.

The invitation-only ceremony will be held 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 MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of NUSACC . “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its democratic development.

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 the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “Being NUSACC recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. This honor reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , especially Tunisia .

Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and strive for 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. This marks the second consecutive year , 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..

Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA 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:

> The launch 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) 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. 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 reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .