Deputy Assistant Secretary Cynthia Akuetteh answers questions during a media conference prior to the event.

Artist Clovis Ngoy, whose artwork is included in the Embassy art collection, shares a moment with Ambassador Liberi, Minister Kavakure and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Adolphe Rukenkanya

Ambassador Dawn Liberi and Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Laurant Kavkure unveil the plaque that will mark the official dedication ceremony of the new American Embassy in Bujumbura.

The Marine Security Guard Detachment presents the colors.

Deputy Chief of Mission Samuel R. Watson serves as the master of ceremonies.

Ambassador Dawn Liberi and Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Laurant Kavkure share the honors and the scissors in cutting the ribbon to officially dedicate the new $133 million U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura.

David Cates, project director for the building's construction, explains some of the features of the embassy compound to members of the media during a tour of the facilities prior to the dedication.

EU Ambassador DeLoecker greets special UN special representative Parfait Onanga-Anyanper. Members of the diplomatic community were among those attending.

Burundi's traditional drummers were on hand to help dedicate the new U.S. Embassy with an enthusiastic display of athleticism and musicianship.

Burundi's Foreign Minister Laurent Kavakure greets Washington guests Cynthia Akuetteh from the State Department's Africa Bureau and Heather Townsend of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations

Members of the Embassy staff served as hostesses and ushers at the event.

Foreign Minister Kavkure and Ambassador Liberi share a toast at the reception following the ribbon cutting.

Arielle Nkurunziza sings Burundi Bwacu, the Burundian National Anthem.

IRC director Ketty Bikura presents a membership card to the Embassy's Library to Foreign Minister Kavakure during his tour of the Embassy.

American singer Denise Gordon sings the Star Spangled Banner, the American National Anthem.