NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, is being honored as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. This award, which began in 2004 is presented every year to an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.

The invitation-only ceremony will take place at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel this December . 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 MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO 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 democratic development.

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , helping to sustain a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire NUSACC team 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 strive for 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. This marks the second consecutive year , NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .

Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, to bolstering multifaceted relations between both nations. Examples of her recent efforts include:
> Celebrating the establishment of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, spearheaded by bipartisan leadership in Congress.
> 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 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. Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations Spanning over two NUSACC Ambassador 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’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia 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.