NUSACC, the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, has been selected as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year . This award, which began in 2004 is given annually to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .

The exclusive award ceremony will take place at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel this December . For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. By fostering stability, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership during a time of great change across the MENA region ,“ stated David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , has encountered significant read more obstacles 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 .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by NUSACC . This honor reflects the enduring partnership between Tunisia and the United States.” 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 aim to deepen 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. 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 Tunisia and the United States . Recent accomplishments include:

> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) .

> Receiving the Kindness Award from the Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) for fostering cultural dialogue .

> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.

> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , 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’s groundbreaking abolition of slavery, predating the U.S..

> The United States being the first major power to recognize Tunisia’s sovereignty in 1956 .

> President Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . This year’s accolade reaffirms the lasting importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.