The National U.S.–Arab Chamber of Commerce convened senior officials, diplomats, and business leaders at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C., on December 16, 2025, for its Ambassador of the Year Award Luncheon, where Mr. Deman Hamar, Secretary General of Mauritania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, delivered remarks on Mauritania’s engagement with the United States across diplomatic and economic spheres.
Addressing representatives of the U.S. government, the diplomatic corps, international institutions, and the private sector, Mr. Hamar expressed appreciation for the role played by NUSACC in advancing dialogue and strengthening economic and commercial ties between the United States and the Arab world. He described the Chamber as a practical forum that supports cooperation, investment, and long-term economic growth.
Mr. Hamar commended the leadership of David Hamod, President of NUSACC, noting that the Chamber has expanded opportunities for partnership while maintaining strong institutional credibility. He said such engagement remains central to building stable and productive economic relationships.
Speaking on bilateral relations, the Secretary General conveyed the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s appreciation for its steadily developing partnership with the United States. He described the relationship as one built on dialogue, economic collaboration, and close diplomatic coordination, adding that initiatives such as the Ambassador of the Year Award Luncheon demonstrate the consistency of that cooperation.
A central portion of his remarks focused on the recognition of Her Excellency Cissé Mint Cheikh Ould Boide, Mauritania’s Ambassador to the United States, who was honored as NUSACC Ambassador of the Year 2025. Mr. Hamar congratulated Ambassador Boide on the distinction, calling it a deserved acknowledgment of her professionalism, dedication, and sustained efforts in representing Mauritania’s interests in Washington.
He noted that her work has strengthened Mauritania’s standing among international partners while advancing cooperation with U.S. institutions and stakeholders. The award, he said, reflects confidence in both her leadership and Mauritania’s diplomatic direction.
Mr. Hamar also acknowledged the presence of senior officials from the Executive Office of the President, the National Security Council, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, noting that their participation signaled broad institutional support for continued cooperation.
In closing, Mr. Hamar thanked NUSACC and its members for their continued work in strengthening ties between the United States and the Arab world. He extended best wishes to the Chamber as it continues its mission of promoting dialogue, partnership, and economic exchange.
