In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the people of Brunei Darussalam, as well as the importance of our bilateral relationship with the Government of Brunei Darussalam, the United States dedicated its new Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan today. U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Kurt Campbell, dedicated the facility in conjunction with guest of honor Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II; United States Ambassador to Brunei, Daniel L. Shields III; and Managing Director for the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Construction, Facility, and Security Management directorate, Rodney A. Evans.
The new facility has quickly become a platform to increase U.S. interaction with the Bruneian people and government officials. Occupying a 5.3-acre site in the Diplomatic Enclave, the new Embassy compound replaces the prior facility in the Teck Guan Plaza building located in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan.
The new Embassy compound incorporates several sustainable features, most notably an irrigation system that utilizes Brunei Darussalam’s abundant natural rain. The facility is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council, and will be submitted for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building rating system.
Contracting, Consulting, and Engineering, LLC of Annapolis, Maryland constructed the project designed by RTKL of Washington, D.C. The $28 million project generated jobs in both the United States and Brunei Darussalam.
Since the 1999 enactment of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act, the Department has moved more than 25,000 people into safer facilities. OBO has completed 84 diplomatic facilities and has an additional 33 projects in design or construction.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities for the conduct of U.S. diplomacy and the promotion of U.S. interests worldwide. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution. For further information, please visit the OBO website at http://www.state.gov/obo, or contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov or (703) 875-4131.
