NATIONAL U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
NATIONAL U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
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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 Ambassador of the Year for 2024. This award, which began in 2004 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 invitation-only ceremony will be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. For more details, view 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 ,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “Tunisia, being the cradle of the 2010 Arab Spring, has encountered significant obstacles in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to explain these challenges and opportunities to American policymakers both in Washington DC and beyond , thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” In response,
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by NUSACC . 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 Arab world and the United States, especially Tunisia .
Together, we aim to deepen the bonds between our nations and work toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has been a trailblazer . This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . The 2023 honoree was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, then the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between Tunisia and the United States . Recent accomplishments include:
> The launch 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic NUSACC Ambassador roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. 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 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 .