U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI NAMED 2024 TOP DIPLOMATIC HONOR.
U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI NAMED 2024 TOP DIPLOMATIC HONOR.
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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 , 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 this December . For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship 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 , the nation has faced extraordinary challenges in its journey toward democracy .
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 .” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named 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 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, NUSACC has recognized a female ambassador from North Africa . Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
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:
> NUSACC AOY Celebrating the establishment 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), 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 Envoy Sidi Slimane Mellimli .
> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> America’s prompt diplomatic recognition of independent Tunisia in 1956.
> President Bourguiba’s visionary focus on scholarships during his 1961 visit to America. The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .