It is a great pleasure for me to participate in the opening of this symposium on the Architecture of Diplomacy.

I have always been fascinated by architecture. When I travel to a new country, I am always eager to learn about that country’s architecture, because architecture is a reflection of a country’s history and culture. Throughout history, the aspirations and values of societies have been expressed through architecture.

Crown Princess Mary, our son, daughter and I will soon move in to Amalienborg Palace which serves as the primary home for the Danish Royal family. Amalienborg Palace is a good example of how architecture can reflect its society and time. The Palace was built in the eighteenth century and it consists of four smaller palaces that surround an octagonal courtyard with four streets leading into the courtyard. The Palace and its courtyard is harmonious and balanced, while the four streets connect the Palace to the rest of the society. This design was intended to illustrate the state ideals of the time it was built - where the vision for the monarchy was to provide a “connected stability” for the Danish Kingdom.

It is very fitting that this symposium takes place in Washington DC. For nowhere is the relationship between politics and architecture more clear than in the city we are in right now. In seventeen-ninety-one, then President George Washington appointed Pierre L'Enfant to design the new capital city. L’Enfant’s ambition was to build a grandiose capital, and although L’Enfant’s vision was not carried out in its entirety - the core parts of it were - and Washington DC certainly exudes the grandeur that L’Enfant envisioned - awing the millions of visitors that come to this city every year.

Furthermore, the many symbolic buildings and monuments in Washington  - many of which are inspired by Greek and Roman architecture - have become synonymous with American democracy, clearly illustrating the link between politics and architecture.

It is also fitting that the Building Museum is the setting for this symposium on diplomacy and architecture, since it is one of the world’s most prominent venues for debate about buildings and their impact on society and people. Furthermore, the National Building museum was actually host to one of the most important diplomatic meetings in recent years. As the international financial crisis was at its peak - in the fall of 2008 - the massive columns of the Building Museum provided shelter for the leaders of the world’s twenty largest economies as they sought to plan a way out of the meltdown of their financial systems.

The politics of architecture can also be detected in diplomacy. Embassies represent countries abroad, and the embassy buildings themselves can convey the values and qualities of the countries they belong to.

In the past, embassies often sought to portray grandeur and wealth, with imposing and classical architecture demonstrating the past glory of their home countries. But increasingly, embassies are looking to show a more contemporary side of their countries.

One of the best examples of a modern embassy is the Danish Embassy here in Washington. It was the first modern embassy in the city and it was inaugurated by my grandfather King Frederik the Ninth in nineteen-sixty and we celebrate its fiftieth anniversary this year.

In the years following the Second World War, relations between Denmark and the United States were intensifying, and the likeness of our values was becoming increasingly apparent. The Danish government wanted to invest and solidify our ties, and decided that a new embassy should serve as the foundation for building an even stronger relationship with the United States.

In those days - as was the case everywhere - embassies in Washington were typically placed in old traditional mansions. But Denmark went in a different direction. Denmark was not looking to the past for inspiration – we were building for the future of Danish-American relations.

The Danish embassy was designed by the eminent Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, who got help in constructing the building by the famous and internationally renowned German-American architect Walter Gropius. Today, the Danish embassy stands as a prime example of the Danish architectural tradition and of the international recognition it achieved in the twentieth century.

It is also an excellent example of how an embassy can project the values and culture of a country in a positive way.

The building is light and open, reflecting optimism and transparency. It is not grandiose, but makes an impression through its simple and strong lines. It is not made to overwhelm guests, but rather to make them feel at ease, thereby facilitating dialogue and cooperation. And the building is in harmony with its surroundings - situated on a hill-top overlooking the beautiful Dumbarton Oaks Park.

For fifty years the Embassy has served as a strong foundation for the ever stronger relationship between the United States and Denmark. Built of sturdy materials in a timeless design, it is just as sturdy and timeless as the values that tie our countries together.

Thank you.