Loading ...2024 Ambassador of the Year: H.E. Hanène Tajouri Bessassi of Tunisia
“Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has helped to bring a measure of stability and predictability to the Tunisia – U.S. partnership at a time of great change across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,” noted David Hamod, President & CEO of NUSACC. “As the birthplace of the 2010 Arab Spring, Tunisia has faced extraordinary challenges in its pursuit of democracy. Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi has worked hard to explain those challenges and opportunities to American policymakers – in Washington DC and beyond the beltway – which has helped to keep the Tunisia – U.S. relationship on an even keel.”
Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi stated, “I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by NUSACC. This prestigious recognition, awarded to a humble diplomat committed to strengthening Tunisia-U.S. relations, reflects the longstanding partnership between our two nations and peoples.”
She went on to say, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire NUSACC team for their unwavering support in fostering strong relationships between the USA and the Arab world, especially the Republic of Tunisia. Together, we will continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and work toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”
This is the second year in a row that NUSACC has presented its Ambassador of the Year award to a female ambassador from North Africa. Last year’s recipient was H.H. Lalla Joumala Alaoui who, at the time, was the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States. (Click here to see a short video of last year’s ceremony.)
Building Bridges Between Tunisia and the USA
Her Excellency Hanène Tajouri Bessassi is the Republic of Tunisia’s first female Ambassador to the United States. Now in her fourth year in the USA, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen political, commercial, and cultural relations between Tunisia and the United States. In recent months, for example:
* The Embassy of Tunisia celebrated the launch of the Congressional Tunisia Caucus, co-chaired by U.S. Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) and U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN).
* Ambassador Tajouri Bessassi received the Kindness Award from the Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) for her efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation among diverse cultural backgrounds.
* Her Excellency played an instrumental role in helping to launch the first Group of Francophone Ambassadors, serving as the Group’s first President. This initiative to promote cultural understanding earned a commendation from the Secretary General of the Organization of Francophone Countries, who made a special trip to Washington DC to attend the official announcement of G.A.F (Groupe des Ambassadeurs Francophones) in the nation’s capital.
* In partnership with NUSACC, the Embassy of Tunisia co-hosted an economic roundtable supported by the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (CONECT) to strengthen commercial relations with the USA. The event attracted high-level participation from American and Tunisian companies in such sectors as foodstuffs, ICT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and tourism.
* At the Rayburn House Office Building, in the U.S. Congress, the Embassy of Tunisia hosted an olive oil tasting reception that attracted political and commercial leaders on a bipartisan basis. Tunisia produces some of the best olive oil in the world, and this event in the U.S. capital helped to raise awareness about Tunisia’s growing market share in the USA.
Highlights of Tunisia’s Historic Relationship with the USA
Tunisia was the second Arab Muslim country to recognize the independence of the United States (in the year 1796). Since that time, there have been a number of important milestones in the Tunisia – U.S. partnership, including:
* In 1805, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson met the Tunisian Envoy, H.E. Sidi Slimane Mellimli, and invited him to stay for lunch. When Jefferson learned that the Envoy was fasting as part of the holy month of Ramadan, the U.S. President respectfully postponed the meal until sunset. This is the origin of the annual White House Iftar dinner – a tradition that continues to this day – one which honors select members of the Muslim diplomatic corps accredited in the USA.
* In 1846, Tunisia abolished slavery, setting an example for the young United States of America, which did not abolish slavery until two decades later, in 1865.
* In 1956, the United States became the first global power to recognize Tunisian sovereignty by establishing diplomatic relations with the new Republic of Tunisia.
* In 1961, H.E. Habib Bourguiba – who created the foundation for modern-day Tunisia – paid his first visit to the USA in his capacity as President of the Republic. At a time when many developing countries were asking the John F. Kennedy Administration for weapons, Bourguiba impressed his hosts by requesting scholarships instead so that Tunisian students (men and women) could study in the USA. A visionary, Bourguiba recognized the power of education, which is fundamental to uplifting a nation.
To this day, as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year ceremony attests, the people of Tunisia remain that nation’s most precious resource.
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