New Embassy Compound Groundbreaking Ceremony
Ambassador Jeanine Jackson Remarks
April 1, 2008, Ouaga 2000, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Thank you for joining us this morning as we officially break ground on the new American Embassy compound in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.  The United States officially recognized Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, on August 5, 1960, and our first Embassy opened in Ouagadougou 5 months later.  We are proud that the United States of America was one of the first countries in the world to recognize our host country into the family of nations.   Today, almost 48 years later, the state of U.S.- Burkina Faso diplomatic relations is outstanding.  Our bilateral cooperation with Burkina Faso has become broad and multi-faceted, ranging from cooperation on the U.N. Security Council to address global issues including Darfur, to military cooperation, development assistance in the health, education and agriculture sectors, and in trade and investment.  Over 100 Peace Corps Volunteers along with many people-to-people exchanges are bringing Americans and Burkinabé closer together.

Ladies and gentlemen, although the ground before us is now largely empty, over the next 21 months it will be transformed into a beautiful site with one of the most modern and sophisticated buildings in Burkina Faso.  I was recently in Washington with members of my Embassy team to review the plans for our new Embassy.   I heard first-hand the exciting and creative ideas of the Embassy’s architect who visited Burkina Faso to seek out ideas from Burkinabé culture.  He will incorporate design elements in the exterior and interior that take inspiration from your country’s rich artistic traditions.   The design will also incorporate modern, so-called “green building” technology that will conserve water and energy. 

This new facility will provide a safe, modern, and comfortable work environment for the more than 320 American and Burkinabé employees who are dedicated to supporting this special bilateral relationship.  I would like to take this opportunity today, in the presence of our honored guests, to acknowledge and express my gratitude to our Embassy’s local staff for their years of dedicated service.  You are the institutional continuity upon which our old Embassy grew strong, and the bedrock upon which it will continue to flourish in the future. The long-term commitment by our Burkinabé colleagues and friends has been indispensable in the efforts by our Mission to meet its strategic goals in Burkina Faso:  promoting democracy and human rights, economic development, regional stability and security, and mutual understanding.    

The best example of our strong bilateral relationship is will take place this summer when  Burkina Faso will sign a compact with the United States Government Millennium Challenge Corporation, “MCC,” for over $500 million.  This five-year agreement will finance road infrastructure, agricultural sector and land reform projects.  I am pleased that the compact will also finance additional classrooms at the 132 recently completed MCC “BRIGHT SCHOOLS” which aim to improve educational opportunities for girls. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this new Embassy complex – more than anything else -- will be an important symbol of the United States’ commitment to foster strong and enduringly positive relations between the people of our two nations.  The United States and Burkina Faso have established a strong partnership based on shared goals and common values.    Both of our peoples represent a diverse mix of ethnic and religions groups, bound by a history of tolerance for others.  Thus, in many ways our friendship and expanding partnership are only natural.  This New Embassy Complex represents the commitment of my government to engage with our Burkinabé partners to find lasting solutions to our common challenges.

Thank you.