€1.57m spent on upgrading diplomatic missions

The government has spent €1.57m in upgrading a number of diplomatic missions, expenses that are co-funded by the EU’s External Borders Fund.

The upgrades to the premises hosting diplomatic missions were carried out for the purpose of complying with Schengen acquis recommendations and best practices.

Upgrades included the installation of bulletproof panels, shield security doors, alarm and surveillance systems and other electrical installations.

In 2012, four projects were completed at the diplomatic missions in Amman, Muscat, Saint Petersburg and Belgrade, at a cost of €254,000.

In 2013, three projects were completed in Kuwait City, Doha and Kiev, costing €476,000.

In 2014, three projects in Abu Dhabi, Beirut and London cost €246,000. And during the first half of this year, three projects were completed in New Delhi, Beijing and Pretoria, at a cost of €596,000.

The foreign ministry has inaugurated an exhibition on the projects. The exhibition will remain open until July 7.

The ministry announced similar upgrade works to be carried out at 12 other diplomatic missions around the world: Moscow, Cairo, Teheran, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, Athens, Washington, Ramallah, Canberra, Paris, Brussels and New York.

All the buildings hosting diplomatic missions – except those in Athens, Paris, Brussels and Washington – are rented.

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