US to expand embassy in Ethiopia

Dec 23, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Manager of the Addis Ababa city administration said the effort underway by America to expand its Embassy here would take the relations of the two countries to a higher level.

While handing over on Friday map of plot of land which the Embassy leased from the city administration at a cost of 786,545 US Dollar, Zemedkun Girma said the expansion work would help foster the long-standing relations.

He said the expansion project would have political, economic and social implication in the country, the state-run ENA reported.

The Embassy leased 13,081 square meters of plot which is on the premise of the former Ethiopian Navy.

Chargé d Affairs of the USA, Ambassador Vicki Huddleston on the occasion said America decided to undertake the expansion endeavor to strengthen its relation with Ethiopia as well as considering America’s strategic interest in Africa.

The growing number of customers is also one of the reasons that precipitated the expansion work, she said.

City manager, Zemedkun Girma and Charge daffaire of America, Ambassador Huddleston signed the agreement providing for the handover of the plot of land.

(ENA/ST)