The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed that Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States , has been selected 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 the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. 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 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, the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort 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..” In response,

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. This honor highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships 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 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. This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..

Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA 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.

> 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 Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.

> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . 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 Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 NUSACC Ambassador of the Year visit to America. This year’s accolade underscores the enduring importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.