The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) announced today that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , is being honored as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . Initiated in 2004, this award is given annually to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for their significant role in U.S.-Arab commercial partnerships.

The exclusive award ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel 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,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , has encountered significant obstacles in its journey toward democracy .

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to explain these challenges and opportunities to American 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 2024 Ambassador of the Year by NUSACC . Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” 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 , with particular emphasis on Tunisia .

Together, we will continue to strengthen 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 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 Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , to bolstering multifaceted relations between both nations. 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 .

> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement The partnership between Tunisia and the USA dates back centuries , such as:

> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .

> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Ambassador of the Year Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .

> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .

> 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 value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .