June 20, 2023

Today marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the United States and Estonia, as the U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, George P. Kent, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary for Administrative Affairs, Olavi Seisonen, officially sign a purchase agreement for land set to house the new U.S. embassy.

The land, nestled between Suur-Ameerika and Väike-Ameerika streets, will see the construction of a new U.S. embassy. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaled the initiation of the detailed planning process for the embassy in coordination with the City of Tallinn. Ambassador Kent underscored the purchase as a pivotal step in both the embassy project and the further cementing of U.S.-Estonia relations.

In his speech, Ambassador Kent remarked, "This is a great moment in the over 100-year history of relations between the United States and Estonia. Our acquisition of the land for a new U.S. embassy in Tallinn reaffirms our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Estonian partners. This shared endeavor reflects our collective ambitions in ensuring our mutual security, bolstering our economic ties, and fostering our cultural connections.”

Reflecting on the legacy of the current U.S. embassy on Kentmanni Street, Ambassador Kent noted its deep-rooted significance in U.S.-Estonia relations. He conveyed gratitude to the Kentmanni community, expressing enthusiasm about the impending move to the Uus Maailm community, symbolically located on two streets named 'America'.

As the week commences, the U.S. Embassy will establish a security presence at the site. Over the coming months, the area will be closed off to the public as additional site preparations are conducted. These include further detailed planning, infrastructure revisions, design, and construction phases. The new embassy project is being overseen by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), in collaboration with local consultant, Esplan OÜ.

This landmark agreement signifies the deep-seated commitment of both the United States and Estonia to their longstanding diplomatic ties. The new embassy will symbolize a renewed era of mutual cooperation, shared security, economic partnership, and cultural exchange.