United States Dedicates New Embassy Compound in Djibouti, Republic of
Djibouti
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 7, 2011
_____
In an important symbol of America's commitment to an enduring friendship
with the people of the Republic of Djibouti, as well as the importance of
our bilateral relationship with the Republic of Djibouti Government, the
United States dedicated its new Embassy in Djibouti today. U.S. Ambassador
Geeta Pasi presided at the ceremony, joining Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; and Managing Director for the Bureau of Overseas
Buildings Operations' (OBO) Planning and Real Estate Directorate, Jay Hicks.
The multi-building complex - including a Chancery, a Marine Security Guard
Quarters, a General Services Office annex, Compound Access Control
buildings, and a utility building - has quickly become a platform to
increase U.S. interaction with the Djiboutian people. The Embassy's
permanent art collection celebrates the exchange of artistic expression
between the United States and the Republic of Djibouti through 33 works by
23 Djiboutian and American artists, curated by OBO's Office of Art in
Embassies. Occupying a 10-acre site in the New Haramus neighborhood, the new
facility creates a secure, sustainable, and pleasant workplace for over 100
employees.
The new Embassy incorporates numerous sustainable features, most notably
water conservation through the use of water-saving drip irrigation and
re-use of cleansed waste water for irrigation. The facility is registered
with the Green Building Certification Institute and will pursue Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDR) Certification. Caddell
Construction Company of Montgomery, Alabama constructed the project, which
was designed by Integrus Architecture of Spokane, Washington. The $147
million project generated jobs in both the United States and Republic of
Djibouti.
Since the 1999 enactment of the Secure Embassy Construction and
Counterterrorism Act, the Department has moved more than 26,000 people into
safer facilities. OBO has completed 88 diplomatic facilities and has an
additional 40 projects in design or construction.
OBO's mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities for the
conduct of U.S. diplomacy and the promotion of U.S. interests worldwide.
These facilities represent American values and the best in American
architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and
construction execution. For further information, please visit the OBO
website at <
http://www.state.gov/obo>
http://www.state.gov/obo, or contact
Angelina Rotella at <mailto:RotellaA_at_state.gov> RotellaA_at_state.gov or (703)
875-6763.
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Received on Wed Dec 07 2011 - 17:36:18 EST