Former Polish President Lech Wałęsa formally opened the new British Embassy building on Ulica Kawalerii on Friday 16th October. Her Majesty’s Ambassador was joined by members of British Embassy staff, representatives of the Polish Government, the Papal Nuncio and the Warsaw diplomatic community, together with key members of the design and construction teams.  

President Wałęsa described the new Embassy as 'one of the places we will look for and find the right solutions' and complimented the 'building, construction and conditions created' which he said would help the UK and Poland to find new areas of co-operation in the future.

Ambassador Ric Todd underlined the close relationship between Britain and Poland, highlighting the links between the countries on many levels - from Ministerial, with three visits by the Foreign Secretary in 2009, to practical collaboration between businesses, NGOs  and scientists . The Ambassador described the new building as ' a symbol of the strength of the British-Polish partnership ... a long-term investment by Her  Majesty's Government in our relationship with Poland. And it is also a symbol of some of the values that are important to the UK – a building specifically designed to be accessible to all and to be environmentally sustainable. '

The Ambassador also thanked all those who had been involved in the building project, including Tony Fretton Architects, project managers MACE and construction company PORR.  

Archbishop Jozef Kowalczyk, the Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who had taken part in the Ground Breaking and Topping Out ceremonies during the building's construction, was also present to perform a blessing for the building.

Following the blessing and speeches, Ambassador Ric Todd and President Wałęsa unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the building.

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See also:

> Ground breaking ceremony for new British Embassy

> Topping out ceremony

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