New UNASUR Headquarters Opens in Quito

Heads of State of South America celebrated the inauguration of the new Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) headquarters in Quito, Ecuador, Friday.

The regional body involves 12 nations and was launched in 2008.  

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, who cut the ribbon of the new building.

In a symbolic act, construction workers who had built the new headquarters, handed a piece of the ribbon to each of the presidents. 

The building is named after late former Argentinian President Nestor Kirchner, who was the first Secretary General of the regional organization. 

President Cristina Fernandez unveiled a statue of her late husband, that will stand in front of the building. After the unveiling of the statue, the UNASUR Symphonic Band played for the Heads of State.

Before the inauguration, during a previous meeting held in the port city of Guayaquil, President Correa proposed the creation of a regional currency, marking a new chapter in regional integration.