NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce announced today 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 a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States 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 By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship during a time of great change across the MENA region NUSACC ,“ 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 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 the Tunisia-U.S. relationship on an even keel .” In response,

Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She further stated , “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world , with particular emphasis on Tunisia .

Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all.” Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s first female Ambassador to the United States, has been a trailblazer . This marks the second consecutive year , NUSACC has recognized a North African female diplomat. 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. Recent accomplishments 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 , bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .

> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations 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 Tunisian Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .

> Tunisia’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..

> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.

> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .