UK defends buying New York penthouse for diplomat

London, March 28 (IANS) The UK Foreign Office has defended spending almost $16 million to buy a penthouse for a diplomat in New York as "the best possible deal and value for money" and a way to promote Britains business interests in the city, the media reported.

The British government paid 12 million pounds ($15.8 million) for the property, a full-floor penthouse on the 38th floor of 50 United Nations Plaza, which is a 43-storey condominium a stone's throw from the UN headquarters on the East Side of Manhattan, reports The New York Times.

The apartment will house Antony Phillipson, British consul general in New York. He is also Britain's trade commissioner for North America, responsible for strengthening the bilateral trade relationship with the US, among other duties.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said on Wednesday it was in the process of selling Phillipson's current residence, which is near the British Consulate on Second Avenue.

"We have secured the best possible deal and value for money on a property that will help promote the UK in the commercial capital of our largest export market and trading partner," the spokesman said.

The sale had closed on March 15, he said. "As well as being the consul general's residence, it will also be used to support his work to help British businesses" as trade commissioner for North America, he added.

Zeckendorf Development and Global Holdings, developers of 50 United Nations Plaza, also confirmed the sale on Wednesday.

The 5,893 square feet penthouse has seven bedrooms, including two for household staff, six bathrooms, a powder room, three walk-in closets and a library.

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