Dedication of new U.S. Embassy in Cambodia

Ribbon cutting - U.S. Ambassador Mussomeli, H.E. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, General Williams, Director of Overseas Building Operations and Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Full Size

On January 17th, in the shadow of fabled Wat Phnom in the heart of Cambodia's capital city, the U.S. government dedicated its first-ever permanent embassy in Phnom Penh.  Ever since opening our first embassy here on November 14, 1950, we had lived a nomadic existence with the venue moving no fewer than five times, and closing down completely during the dark days of the Khmer Rouge and the decade of Vietnamese occupation that followed.  The new structure, solid and resolute, convincingly conveys permanence and commitment.  Its striking facade of creamy Carrara marble and black and red granite served as a fitting backdrop for the colorful pageantry of the occasion featuring Buddhists monks clad in saffron-colored robes, the Presentation of the Colors by the embassy's new Marine Security Guard detachment, and a Blues rendition of the U.S. national anthem by world-renowned jazz vocalist CoCo York.  Honored guests for the dedication were Ambassador Christopher Hill, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and His Excellency Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Cambodia.  Over 400 government officials and other guests attended, and scores of local and international journalists covered the event.

During his remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli noted that the day was an auspicious one because it was also the 300th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, America's very first diplomat.  Franklin was renowned for his wit, his subtly, and also --when necessary -- his bluntness, and the Ambassador asked, "What better inspiration for all of us today than Franklin?"  Once, frustrated with his colleagues in the Continental Congress who were too worried about maintaining security and stability, Franklin warned them, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety," a warning Ambassador Mussomeli felt was a good reminder to all of us, Americans and Cambodians alike.

The new embassy's location next to Wat Phnom is prime real estate.  Legend says that this Buddhist temple was built on the hill (phnom in the Khmer language) where "Grandma Penh" found five Buddha statues in the hollow of a Koki tree after a devastating flood.  The city that grew up around the temple eventually became know as Phnom Penh, and to this day Wat Phnom is the spiritual heart of the city.  Ambassador Mussomeli stated earlier that, "Phnom Penh is one of the most beautiful cities in Asia, and our goal has been to ensure that our new embassy adds to the beauty of this extraordinary city."  And by all accounts, the designers succeeded.  Local residents and the media have uniformly praised the new embassy for the way it harmonizes with the surrounding neighborhood.

During the reception following the ceremony, guests marveled at the embassy's light and airy interior featuring a soaring central atrium and over 100 original works of art by American and Cambodian artists.  Guests were treated to a variety of entertainments including a jazz concert, screenings of films produced by the former USIS in Cambodia during the 1960s and a poster exhibit on human rights.  And as people discussed the new embassy, everyone echoed Ambassador Mussomeli's sentiments that the embassy represents "America's enduring commitment to the Cambodian people" and that the Americans are "here to stay."  Perhaps one of our guests explained this commitment best:  "I think Grandma Penh is looking down and smiling now, knowing that the American Embassy is her new neighbor."