Dedication ceremony

Dedication of New U.S. Embassy in Lomé

The new Embassy of the United States of America in Lomé was officially dedicated on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007. Major General Charles E. Williams, Director of the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, U.S. Ambassador David B. Dunn, and the Togolese Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Zarifou Ayeva presided over the ceremony. Guests included several government ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Ambassador Dunn welcomed the guests by indicating that the 1st American diplomat arrived in Togo on April 22nd, 1959. “Since then, the United States has had a continuous presence in Togo.  The opening of this new Chancery attests to the importance of our bilateral relationship and is a vote of confidence in Togo’s future", he said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the excellent health of the bilateral relationship between the Togolese government and the U.S., underlining the renewed friendly will of the American people.

Major General Williams expressed his appreciation for the vital support offered by the Togolese host government during the construction process. He told the public that the new Embassy was built on a 4 hectare-surface, and added more than 25 million dollars to the local economy. He also stated that the new building meets Togolese and U.S. safety and security standards.  The facility can operate for several days independent of outside utilities. Major General Williams also said that new facility will offer improved services to local visitors.  Built by the BL Harbert Company within 24 months, on time and under budget, the new facility meets the U.S. “green building” standards.

Following his speech, Major General Williams, Ambassador Dunn and Minister Ayeva unveiled the inaugural plaque and cut the symbolic ribbon giving access to the new Chancery. The guests were invited on a tour of the public spaces of the new building after the ceremony.

Since his appointment as director of the Overseas Building Operations in 2001, Major General Williams has overseen the completion of 42 new embassies.  40 new buildings are in construction pipeline.