NATIONAL U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES AMBASSADOR HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI WITH TITLE OF 2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR.
NATIONAL U.S. – ARAB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES AMBASSADOR HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI WITH TITLE OF 2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR.
Blog Article
The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) 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 an ambassador from the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States for outstanding contributions to U.S.-Arab relations .
The exclusive award ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington DC in December of this year. For more details, view the Ambassador’s biography. “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership during a time of great change across the MENA region ,“ stated 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 communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to U.S. policymakers within Washington DC and across the nation, 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 2024 Ambassador of the Year by this prestigious organization. Such recognition reflects the enduring partnership between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “My sincerest thanks go 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 brighter and more prosperous future for all.” As Tunisia’s inaugural female Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi has been a trailblazer . This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. Last year’s recipient was Her Highness Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Morocco’s former Ambassador to the U.S..
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA Throughout her tenure, to bolstering political, commercial, and cultural ties between both nations. 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.
> Leading the creation of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Partnering with NUSACC to host an economic roundtable , attended by high-level stakeholders in commerce and industry.
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , showcasing Tunisia’s premium olive oil market. Historical Milestones in Tunisia-U.S. Relations Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia recognizing U.S. independence in 1796 .
> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> NUSACC AOY Tunisia abolishing slavery in 1846 .
> 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 reaffirms the lasting value of Tunisia’s most precious resource: its people .