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 2024 Ambassador of the Year . This award, which began in 2004 is presented every year to an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the USA for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .

The invitation-only ceremony will take place at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel in December of this year. Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability contributed significantly to the Tunisia-U.S. relationship in a period marked by substantial shifts across the MENA region ,“ stated David Hamod, President & CEO 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 worked tirelessly to explain these challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, helping to sustain a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by NUSACC . Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” 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, especially Tunisia .

Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and strive for 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. The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..

Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , to bolstering multifaceted relations between both nations. 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 NUSACC Ambassador of the Year Attaché Association (WECAA) in recognition of her dedication to intercultural cooperation.

> Playing a pivotal role in establishing the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), which promotes cultural understanding . W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, 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’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.

> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.

> Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .

> 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 . The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .