“After 56 years, we are moving back to the centre of action—closer to the White House, Congress, and our American partners. This is a practical step that will make Czechia’s day-to-day diplomacy in Washington easier. Czechia will benefit from it for years to come,” said Minister Jan Lipavský.

The new embassy site on Massachusetts Avenue will bolster Czech diplomacy’s capacity for day-to-day engagement with U.S. institutions and business and will contribute to a more effective presentation of Czechia in the United States. Staff are expected to relocate to the new building during the summer of 2026.

During the visit, the Minister met with American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR) to discuss concrete projects to raise Czechia’s profile in the U.S.; at an event hosted by GLOBSEC with representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties, he discussed the transatlantic agenda and shared security priorities; with the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) on the state of EU–U.S. relations; and with the commander of the Nebraska National Guard on long-term defence cooperation under the State Partnership Program with Czechia and options for its further development.

“If we want to be taken seriously in America, we must continue to invest in defence and meet our Alliance commitments. That is the priority—without it, it won’t work,” Minister Lipavský noted.

The programme also included the posthumous presentation of the Cross of State Defence to Vladimír Taussig, in recognition of his exceptional service and courage. In New York, the Minister visited Czech compatriots in Astoria, home to the Czech and Slovak Language Center. He met members of BBLA (Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association) and viewed another investment project of Czech diplomacy, namely the property on Madison Avenue.