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By KELIN DILLON

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar inaugurated the new U.S. Embassy in Mexico City on Tuesday, Dec. 17, an event that also served as a farewell ceremony to the Biden-era diplomat.

The diplomatic headquarters, located in Miguel Hildago, is seven stories tall and reportedly cost more than $1 billion to construct. Once open for operations, it will be the largest U.S. embassy in the world.

While unveiling a new plaque commemorating the space, Salazar characterized the new embassy as “a powerful symbol of unity, hope and lasting ties between our nations, as well as a beacon of the democratic values ​​that unite us.”

“It reflects the importance of our bilateral integration to make North America more prosperous and competitive,” said the U.S. ambassador.

“Our new embassy is also a tribute to the greatness of Mexico and its people. It will serve as a meeting point for us to work together and deepen and expand our relationship. Beyond diplomacy, it will be a place for our nations to get to know each other better, understand each other more deeply, and build a shared future,” continued Salazar.

The outgoing ambassador also discussed the extradition of former Gulf Cartel boss Osiel Cárdenas from the United States to Mexico and expressed his opinion on the importance of the neighboring countries’ collaboration on security measures.

“Security, that has been a priority for us. We have made a great effort, but the reality is that much more work is needed. I am sure that it will happen because the people of Mexico deserve to live without fear; the people of the United States also have that right. I am optimistic that we already have a good base, and there is a lot of work to do, and we will do it. Hopefully as partners,” Salazar said in his speech.

Despite Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony, the date the new U.S. Embassy will open to the public is yet to be announced.