U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI OF TUNISIA AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI OF TUNISIA AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
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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 . Initiated in 2004, this award is presented every year to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The invitation-only ceremony will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC 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 ,“ noted David Hamod, Chief Executive Officer of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has put in great effort to communicate Tunisia’s 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, “Being recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. Such recognition highlights the strong ties between Tunisia and the United States.” She added, “My sincerest thanks go to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication in building bridges between the Arab world and the United States, with particular emphasis on the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we will continue to strengthen 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 set a remarkable example. For the second year running, the award has gone to a female ambassador from North Africa . 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, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia and the United States . 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) for fostering cultural dialogue .
> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. 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 Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The 1805 meeting between President Thomas Jefferson and Tunisian NUSACC Ambassador 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 Habib Bourguiba’s 1961 U.S. visit, emphasizing education over arms . This year’s accolade underscores the enduring importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.