(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale announced on Wednesday a plan to build a new $1 billion embassy in Awkar, which will give more space to “deepen ties” between the two countries.
“The new facilities, which will be located next door to the current embassy in the town of Awkar, is just one more example of the enduring partnership that exists between the United States and Lebanon,” said Hale during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry.
“It will reflect a continued American commitment to and investment in Lebanon.”
Hale said the design of the facility is being built to be sustainable and eco-friendly, utilizing Lebanon’s “mild Mediterranean climate” to reduce energy consumption.
“Our priority on energy-savings and sustainability will mean that the new embassy will reduce its environmental impact while enhancing the space around it,” he said.
Hale added that the facilities will include water-saving native planting, natural vegetation, and sculpted pre-cast concrete and stone. American and Lebanese art projects will be installed in public green areas.
This is the second time the U.S. changes its embassy location since the deadly bombings of the U.S. Embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut 30 years ago. The U.S. Embassy, which was located in Ain al-Mreisseh at time time, was hit by a suicide bomb on April 18, 1983, which left 63 people dead.
After the attack, the U.S. relocated its operations to its current location in Awkar, which has multiple layers of security detail.
Hale said the new facility represents a long-lasting American-Lebanese partnership.
“America will be here for years to come to work with the Lebanese people for a secure, stable, prosperous, sovereign, and free Lebanon,” he said.