NUSACC HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI NAMED 2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR.
NUSACC HONORS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI NAMED 2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR.
Blog Article
The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) recently revealed 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 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. 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 during a time of great change across the MENA region ,“ noted David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC . “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 explain these challenges and opportunities to American policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, thereby maintaining a balanced partnership between Tunisia and the U.S..” Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi expressed her gratitude, stating , “Being recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in building bridges between the USA and the Arab world , with particular emphasis on the Republic of Tunisia.
Together, we will continue to strengthen 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 been a trailblazer . For the second year running, NUSACC has recognized 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 Ambassador of the Year Tunisia-U.S. Relations Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has dedicated her tenure , Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing political, commercial, and cultural ties between Tunisia and the United States . Examples of her recent efforts include:
> 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) 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 Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Organizing a bipartisan olive oil tasting, showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement 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’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 . The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award underscores the enduring value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .