UAE delegates have broken ground on the country’s new embassy compound in Astana, Kazakhstan.

According to a report by state news agency WAM, the 26,000sqm compound will reflect the UAE’s identity and values, and will demonstrate the country and its peoples’ culture, drawn from its heritage and future aspirations.

A foundation stone laying ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan, the mission staff and military attaché and the contractors.

The new compound is said to be located next to the most important landmarks in Astana. The compound will feature an embassy building, a consular building, in addition to a residence for the head of the mission and a guest house with several other service supplements.