The new US Ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood, caused a stir on social media after he used Arabic and phrases from the Tunisian dialect to introduce himself to the public. Joy Hood, 46, appeared in a video posted on the official page. US embassy in Tunisia, for the first time since he was formally authorized by Tunisian President Kais Said to assume his duties as Donald Bloom’s successor. Hood said he was lucky enough to visit Tunisia last year and was amazed by the hospitality and beauty of green Tunisia, indicating that he was happy to be back in the country of Ibn Khaldun, Aziza Osmana and Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi.
He added that he was aware of the “important economic challenges that Tunisia is facing during this period”, stressing: “That is why my team and I will work hard to deepen the economic partnership to create new jobs. Glad to meet you and start working in Tunisia.” It should be noted that Hood is one of the prominent American diplomats, prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Tunisia, since January 2021, he served as First Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, as well as the position of Deputy Ambassador. to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, and has held senior positions at the US Embassies in Qatar, Yemen, and Eritrea.
