NUSACC AWARDS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
NUSACC AWARDS TUNISIA’S HANÈNE TAJOURI BESSASSI AS 2024 “AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR”.
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The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) announced today that Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, is being honored as the Ambassador of the Year for 2024. 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 be held at Washington DC’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel this December . Click here to see the Ambassador’s biography “Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia-U.S. partnership in a period marked by substantial shifts across the Middle East and North Africa (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 , has encountered significant obstacles in its democratic development.
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked tirelessly to communicate Tunisia’s challenges and opportunities to American 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 Ambassador of the Year for 2024 by this prestigious organization. This honor highlights the strong ties between our two nations and peoples .” She added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at NUSACC for their steadfast dedication 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.” Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi, Tunisia’s first female Ambassador to the United States, has set a remarkable example. This marks the second consecutive year , the award has gone to a North African female diplomat. The 2023 honoree was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui , then the Kingdom of Morocco’s more info Ambassador to the United States .
Strengthening Tunisia-U.S. Relations Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has focused on enhancing multifaceted relations between both nations. Recent accomplishments include:
> The launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, spearheaded by bipartisan leadership in Congress.
> Being honored with the Kindness Award by 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), an initiative aimed at promoting francophone culture. W Co-hosting an economic summit with NUSACC, bringing together American and Tunisian businesses .
> Hosting an olive oil tasting at the U.S. Congress , highlighting Tunisia’s global olive oil excellence . A Rich History of Bilateral Engagement Spanning over two centuries, Tunisia-U.S. relations include many highlights, such as:
> Tunisia’s early acknowledgment of America’s independence.
> The 1805 Ramadan dinner hosted by President Jefferson for the Tunisian envoy.
> 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 . The 2024 Ambassador of the Year award underscores the enduring importance of the Tunisia-U.S. relationship.