Issue 02/2023

Tune in to the ephemeral nature of dance

Marie Kinsky,  Dancer and Founder of KoresponDance International Festival

CONTENTS interviews

7 Interview with H.E. Mrs. Anna Azari, Ambassador of Israel

The Czech Republic is the friendliest country for Israel

10 Interview with H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

We are learning to connect with increasingly diverse players

18 Interview with H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Rønneberg, Ambassador of Norway

Our success depends on the success of the EU

23 Interview with Martin Mrkos, Mayor of Žďár nad Sázavou

I want my town to become a “Bentley

Continental GT”, with an original soul

27 Interview with Marie Kinsky, Dancer and Founder of KoresponDance International Festival

The ephemeral nature of dance forces us to be in the here and now

30 Interview with H.E. Mr. Soren Kelstrup, Ambassador of Denmark

Each of us has to figure out our own priorities and choices

33 Interview with Michal Vronský, Mayor of Prague 3 A strong community is important for a happy life

37 Interview with H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden

A rapidly changing political landscape requires the development of new strategies

41 Interview with Ondřej Kubín, Mayor of Prague 4

Over time I became more and more involved

44 Interview with H.E. Mr. Eduardo R. Meñez, Ambassador of the Philippines

Entering a new era after 50 years of bilateral relations

49 Interview with Robert Neruda, Partner at HAVEL & PARTNERS Law Firm

I like the diversity of my job

52 Interview with H.E. Mr. Ronald Dofing, Ambassador of Luxembourg

There is a “mental Charles Bridge” between our two nations

58 Interview with H.E. Mr. Gregoire Cuvelier, Ambassador of Belgium

Promoting cooperation between countries is an unlimited task

62 Interview with Monika Koťarová, Head of the CVRK platform

We love original Czech craftsmanship

66 Interview with H.E. Mr. Adish Mammadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan

Every third car in Czechia runs on Azerbaijani oil

3 What we do today shapes our future

The message of the letters written by former Czech president, Václav Havel, to his South African Republic counterpart, Nelson Mandela

14 King’s Day

On the occasion of King‘s Day, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga, and Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret hosted a reception at the Ambassador‘s residence

74 Anniversary of the Independence of Argentina

H.E. Ambassador Roberto Salafia hosted a special reception at the beautiful Kaunický Palace

78 Discussion with the Czech Minister of Transport, Hon Martin Kupka

The Prague Society organised a public discussion

80 Hi Arménia

On 4th April this year, an exhibition called “Hi Armenia” opened at Prague Klementinum

82 Celebrating Nordic-Baltic National Days together

Prague is the only place where this celebration has been arranged for many years

events expert eye

56 PhDr. Jan Frolík, CSc.

A brief introduction to Apostolus and Hayastan: Czech-Armenian archaeological projects

70 Eva Růžičková, Czech Jewelry Designer

How to channel your emotions into a brooch

88 Meshulam Zisso and Václav Pavlas

Thailand is not only Bangkok

Benke Aikell – Founder | Eva Anderová & Meshulam Zisso – Owners & Executive Editors | Petra Kubernátová – Webmaster | Martina Hošková – Edit & Translation | Šárka Čičková – Graphic Design | Publisher PRIME (1998) s.r.o, Olgy Havlové 2914\52, 130 00 Žižkov - Prague 3, IČ: 25682784, DIČ: CZ25682784, e-mail: info@czechleaders.com, www.czechleaders.com | Czech & Slovak Leaders, Olgy Havlové 2914\52, 130 00 Žižkov - Prague 3, email: info@czechleaders. com, www.czechleaders.com | Licence: MK ČR E 13147 | No reproduction is permitted in whole or part without the express consent of Czech & Slovak Leaders | The advertiser is responsible for the advertising contents | Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors or persons interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or Czech & Slovak Leaders | All editorial material and photos in Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine is digitally stored and may be republished by Czech & Slovak Leaders either in printed form or in various digital media | All correspondence to Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine may be published.

What we do today shapes our future

The message of the letters written by former Czech president, Václav Havel, to his South African Republic counterpart, Nelson Mandela

Great politicians are never limited to their present day in their visions. In this regard, the letters written by former Czech president, Václav Havel, to his South African Republic counterpart, Nelson Mandela, can serve as a useful inspiration. Although they never met as presidents (only once briefly in Prague, in 1992, before Nelson Mandela’s presidency), Václav Havel felt that their life experiences had many common features. He felt responsible for the future of humanity, and addressed this topic regularly in his letters to Nelson Mandela. On the occasion of Africa Day, we would like to share some of his words with you, our readers.

December 1998

As the new millennium approaches, we are increasingly aware of all the unanswered questions and challenges that arise from the current state of civilisation. The shared responsibility of the inhabitants of this planet led to the organization of a series of world conferences called Forum 2000. Two extremely successful conferences have been held so far, attended by leading world personalities, Nobel Prize winners, well-known writers, philosophers, politicians, scientists, and religious leaders.

The goal of the conference is the exchange of views on the fundamental questions of the future of an increasingly interconnected world, as seen by personalities representing various areas of human life and all world regions. I know that you are also dealing with these questions, and therefore I would like to invite you to the third continuation of the Forum 2000 conference. The theme of this conference in 1999 will be “The process of world integration – an alternative vision”. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment of opportunities and threats from these integration processes.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

March 1999

Our life experiences have many common features, even though they took place in different political and geographical contexts. I am convinced that even now that both our countries have achieved freedom, the issue of human rights is equally important to us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to reflect on the restriction of human freedom anywhere in the world.

March 2002

The World Summit for Children, which took place in New York almost twelve years ago, followed an unprecedented success of the international community: most countries of the world joined the international convention for the protection of children’s rights within a few months. I am proud to have had the honour of signing this convention as a representative of former Czechoslovakia.

In the past decade, much has been done to improve the status of children. However, one cannot fail to see that many problems persist, and that new dangers are emerging that threaten the healthy development and lives of children. We still have a lot of work ahead of us. Children are born into a world beyond their control. This world is shaped by us adults and we are responsible for its condition. After all, today’s children are the citizens of tomorrow’s world, and the future development of humanity depends on their survival, protection and development.

Parts of selected Václav Havel´s letters were used and translated with the permission of the Václav Havel Library in Prague.

The Václav Havel Library collects, researches, disseminates, promotes and advocates the spiritual, literary and political legacy of a great figure of modern Czech history - the author, playwright, thinker, human rights defender and Czechoslovak and Czech president. It also focuses on people, events and phenomena related to the legacy of Václav Havel and strives to place them in the context of the times and of the present.

From August 2014, the Václav Havel Library is located at the address Ostrovní 13, Prague 1. The building’s ground-floor spaces is dedicated to an exhibition „Václav Havel or Havel in a nutshell“ and used for VHL club events –all kinds of seminars, readings, exhibitions, lectures, concerts and theatre performances. The Library’s offices, archive, constantly expanding library, and reading room are located on the first floor.

A big Thank you to the Václav Havel Library in Prague for giving us permission to use these very important materials.

The Czech Republic is the FRIENDLIEST country for Israel in Europe

Mrs. Anna Azari was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and immigrated to Israel with her family in 1972. She has been with the Israeli Foreign Service since 1983. After two years of working as an Ambassador in Prague, she talked to us about the gradual steps on the path that brought her here, the challenges she has encountered along the way, and how the reality of our country took her by surprise.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Karel Cudlín

How do you become an ambassador in Israel?

You don’t become an ambassador. You become a cadet in a cadet course, which is the gateway to our foreign service. To get into the cadet course, you need to pass the entrance exam. If I wanted to be a bit cheeky, I would say that to pass the entrance exam you have to know that it is actually taking place. In this particular instance, I was lucky. I learned about it thanks to my husband, who saw an advertisement –probably a leaflet at that time – published by the MFA, and thought it would be just the right thing for me.

I went for it, and it turned out to be the first step that embarked me on the path that has led me to many interesting places, meeting some great and some peculiar people, and eventually presented me with the opportunity to serve as an ambassador here, in Prague, in the Czech Republic.

You have been in the Czech Republic for two years. Can you share some of your impressions? If you are asking about my first impressions of the Czech Republic, these actually precede my posting here by quite some time. I knew the country from both my previous post as Deputy Director General of my ministry’s section for Europe, and from my time as an Ambassador to Poland.

That is why it is not a coincidence that I came to be posted here. You could say I deliberately chose it. Why? The Czech Republic is the friendliest country for Israel in Europe – in this respect, not just my first impression but my ongoing experience here is a testimony to that. No, scratch that, my first impression did not just fulfill my expectations, the reality surprised me because it is even friendlier than I expected.

How many countries have you served in besides the Czech Republic?

Five. My first posting abroad was a Consul of Israel to the Pacific Northwest in San Francisco, in the United States. After that, a very interesting post opened in our embassy in Russia in mid-1990s. People realized that I spoke fluent Russian, and that was one of the reasons why I was appointed Deputy Ambassador to Russia. After that, I knew where I wanted to go, and what I wanted to achieve. I wanted to become an Ambassador of Israel to Russia. And it happened. After serving as an Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova, I returned to Russia as an Ambassador. After that came Poland, and now the Czech Republic.

How does being an ambassador fit your lifestyle?

I have been doing it all my life. I do not actually

know how NOT being an ambassador could fit into my lifestyle. It is a complicated story. This is my sixth round of duty abroad. When my children were little, and since my husband did not join me except for my first posting in San Francisco, it was a complicated game each time. I served with two children and my husband was at home, then one child was with me and one child was in Israel. We tried all the options by now. However, the situation is solved now because both children are now grown up, and I even have one granddaughter. But it is a challenge to keep a family in this line of work, that’s for sure.

Do you see any other difficulties as part of being an ambassador?

I don’t find the job of an ambassador to be all that difficult, if compared to many other jobs such as mining or something of that kind. Probably – and I am not very good at it – the most difficult thing is to not react implicitly when you hear nonsense being voiced on either side of the negotiating table.

What is the best adventure you have had while performing your diplomatic duties?

Since I served in several Slavic countries, one of my biggest adventures had to do with the quantity of alcohol which I could consume at any given time. I remember several stories. But one of the most intense ones was when the Head of the Office of our then Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, came to visit in Ukraine. It was in Crimea in the summer. After meeting President Kuchma, we had lunch with the head of the then Head of Security Services, who kept offering toasts. But the Israeli guest said that he was not drinking as his wife does not allow it. So, in the heat of thirty-odd degrees, I had to drink an endless number of toasts to the health of Kuchma, the health of Barak, the health of the Security Service of Ukraine, and the health of the Mossad… And then, when we arrived at the airport, the whole thing started all over again.

Asking the next question may feel a bit funny considering your previous story. However, can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

When they are ambassadors, they usually no longer need advice, or they at least don’t think that they need it. However, for people who want to get there, who are not ambassadors yet, the main issue is to know where you are going. I think that when you build some kind of plan for yourself – and when you know what the next steps are leading to, and where you want to be – then it is easier to get there. For ambassadors, one of the best parts of their job is

WITH H.E. MRS. ANNA AZARI, AMBASSADOR OF ISRAEL

that you can exercise a lot of influence on the way you would perform your own job. If you like archaeology, you will probably promote archaeological relations or exhibitions. If you are into education, you can promote that. The really nice touch of the job is that you can bring your own personality into it. A common notion regarding diplomats is that we are always under instructions. It is not true. Only a very low percentage of what we do follows direct instructions.

Do you promote your country as an attractive holiday destination to Czech tourists?

Nowadays, the promotion of tourism is highly dependent on your financial budget and frequency of advertising yourself. I don’t think Israel invests too much into that in the Czech Republic. However, I think this beautiful tradition of relations between our countries makes Israel quite attractive for the Czech people. Even those who haven’t been (to Israel) very often want to go there. The real challenge is that Israel has become quite expensive. Every cloud has a silver lining though, and right now the exchange rate of the Israeli Shekel has decreased a bit, which should make it a bit less expensive for tourists. So, I hope that the

Czechs are going to take advantage of this situation and come.

Did the recent events and the demonstrations affect the relations between the two countries?

The relations are very good. We had the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting here just before Passover or Easter. The relations are good. I hope other visits will follow. At this point, there is no reason for the demonstrations to affect the relations. They were widely covered here, but I do not see a real influence on everyday diplomacy.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of Israel – the 75th anniversary of its independence. What are you wishing for your country? And for the Czech Republic?

For my country, it is always the same wish: peace. This year, we can add that we want peace internally and externally. Peace and democracy for my country. And I think it would be a nice wish for the Czech Republic as well – peace and democracy – because there’s a war in Europe and we hope it will end well for Ukraine, with a big victory, and this would also be good for the Czech Republic.

We are learning to CONNECT with increasingly diverse players

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso;

Pavel Matela

“Much of our profession will remain unchanged: representing our countries, promoting our interests, and facilitating contacts. However, the world out there is becoming more and more complex, requiring the same skills and more”, says H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. What does he find most fascinating about the foreign service? Does he think that Czechs and Dutch know each other well? And what do the two countries currently focus on in their relationship?

What made you become an ambassador?

My father was a captain with KLM. This brought him to exciting places, such as Anchorage and Tokyo, but also behind the Iron Curtain, to places like Moscow and Yangon (Rangoon). His stories about his travels awakened, from an early age, my interest in the big wide world outside of my own country. During my teenage years, I also had the privilege to accompany him to several of these faraway places. But the actual decision to join the Foreign Service only came later, after having considered becoming a journalist, and having worked with a gas company. I guess that, beyond the romantics of living in exotic places, my fascination with the continuing complexity of interactions between countries was the deciding factor. How to promote international cooperation, stability, prosperity in a very unequal world? It is a privilege to be part of this, shaping relations to serve the public interest of my own country, and, where possible, also that of our partners in Europe and elsewhere.

You have been in the Czech Republic for two years already. Can you share some of your impressions?

My last visit to Prague before being appointed as an ambassador dates back to the summer of 1990. The city had just emerged from behind the Iron Curtain, a sleeping beauty. It made an impression on me that has lasted to this day. Prague still carries the spirit of Havel that was so very much around in the early 90s. A place of elegance, charm, culture, splendour, radiating optimism and zest for life. A civilized place too, notwithstanding the unmistakable marks that were left by 40 years of communist dictatorship.

What also struck me is the determination of the Czech people to never allow dictatorship or oppression to happen again. I see that same determination driving Czechia’s support for Ukraine today. Especially in the first weeks after the brutal invasion by Russia, the city fumed with indignation. People were looking to vent their anger about such a brutal act, so very similar to what Czechoslovakia experienced in 1938, and again in 1968. This was expressed in demonstrations, but also in artwork, be it music, murals, or statues. Back home in the Netherlands, there is anger and indignation too, but in this country, the emotions are more intense and heartfelt because of the Czechs’ recent personal experiences.

How many countries have you served in up until now?

Actually, not all that many for a diplomat. My first posting was in 1997-1998, with the OSCE Mission in Tirana, Albania. I then had two consecutive postings in Brussels, with the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU. From 2000 to 2002, I took part in the Enlargement Working Group, negotiating the accession of the candidate Member States from Central Europe, including Czechia. From 2013 to 2017, I was Deputy Head of Mission in Ankara, Turkey. In between foreign postings, I held various positions in The Hague, lastly as Deputy Director General for Migration at the Ministry of Justice.

What do you do in your free time?

I love water sports and sailing in particular. In that sense, I am in the wrong country. Luckily, there are many other enjoyable pastimes in Czechia, and some of these even come with the job, such as cultural events, exhibition

Photo:

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. DAAN HUISINGA, AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

openings, concerts, and movies. This also means that I find myself in many special locations in Prague. I keep being amazed by the abundance of monuments, palaces, and churches; by picturesque alleyways and charming courtyards. Closer to home, in Prague-6, I explore the neighbourhood by bike or while walking the dog – adopted during our time in Turkey. Also, whenever I have a chance, I try to visit the country outside Prague. When we lived in Turkey, we agreed as a family to spend all our holidays in the country to experience it to the fullest. In Czechia, we have pretty much stuck to this same rule. We went canoeing; from Vyšší Brod down the Vltava; skiing in Pec pod Sněžkou, and biking in Southern Moravia and Český ráj. There is certainly more to come.

Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

Much of our profession will remain unchanged: representing our countries, promoting our interests, and facilitating contacts. However, the world out there is becoming more and more complex. Developments are faster, there are ever more known unknowns, and so are the number of non-state actors that impact our relations. Even more daunting is the scale of future challenges: climate change and (other) environmental degradation, the instability on the EU’s southern and eastern borders, mass migration, democratic backsliding, and the rise of authoritarianism.

Most of these challenges can only be addressed by working together in the EU and NATO, and by continuing investing in the international legal order while also preparing for increasing rivalry and uncertainty. Moreover, it requires the involvement of not just governments but more and more other parties relevant to our diplomacy. These include NGOs, businesses, and the media, but for example also athletes, artists, and social media influencers. All of this implies that the next generation of diplomats will need the same skills as before, and more. A future diplomat must be a good analyst, read his / her surroundings, and have a sharp pen, but also think more in terms of power, interest, and strategy and know how to connect with increasingly diverse players, through increasingly diverse channels.

You served as Deputy Director-General for International Migration Management, at the Ministry of Justice and Security in The Hague. How can we solve the migration issue successfully?

Migration itself is not the problem. Most of it is legal, involving people moving for work or family reasons. But irregular, uncontrolled migration is a problem. After the peak during the migration crisis of 2015-2016, the number of irregular migrants entering the EU briefly returned to a more manageable level. However, since last year numbers are on the rise again, reaching a level

that is hard to cope with in destination countries such as the Netherlands. In the case of Ukrainians, who get temporary protection, the situation is under control. In the case of some other nationalities, in particular those from so-called safe countries with little chance of receiving asylum, the situation is problematic. The main key to a structural EU-wide solution is a mandatory screening and border procedure. Under this procedure, asylum seekers are required to apply at the entry points on the EU’s external borders, ensuring access to an asylum procedure for all, while allowing for the processing of unfounded asylum claims in an accelerated manner. It would also put an end to the phenomenon of secondary (asylum)migration, whereby 3rd country nationals misuse the Schengen area of free movement to travel from the Member States in which they first arrived to Member States of their choice to apply for asylum. If individual Member States experience disproportionate migratory pressure, a solidarity mechanism should provide help in the form of relocation, operational, or financial support, with contributions based on a fair share principle.

Not long ago, their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands visited Slovakia. Can we expect a royal visit to the Czech Republic soon too?

A State Visit is considered to be the highest expression of friendly bilateral relations between two sovereign countries. Although currently a State Visit to the Czech Republic is not planned, our excellent bilateral relations would certainly warrant one. All the more, since no such visit by our heads of state has taken place during the Czech Republic’s 30-year existence, incoming or outgoing. Having said this, there were official visits, by Queen Beatrix to Prague in March 1994 and by President Klaus to The Hague in April 2008. A State Visit, though, would be the cherry on the cake.

What is the current status of Czech – Dutch relations?

Our relations are excellent, although they could always be intensified. We have many similarities that we recognize in each other, ranging from a certain Protestant soberness and a love of the outdoors to the dark and absurd humour of the movies of the Czech New Wave. We also share the heritage of Comenius and other refugees that came to the Netherlands, after 1610, 1948 and 1968. These refugees and their children made important contributions to our society as artists, journalists, politicians, scholars, and athletes. But our separation for 50 years by Nazi and Soviet aggression left its marks. We are still, to a certain degree, unknown to each other, even though we are less than 1,000 kilometres apart. Many Dutch people still do not realize that Prague is located to the West of Vienna, instead of the other way around. I am happy to note that, for

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. DAAN HUISINGA, AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

the younger generation, this historic interruption plays much less of a role. More and more Czech students are studying in the Netherlands, and vice versa. Earlier, Dutch companies already found their way to Czechia, making this the 2nd export market in the group of 10 Member States that joined the EU in 2004, after Poland and more or less on a par with Sweden and Switzerland. The Netherlands is the number 8 export market for Czechia. At a political level, we see an increase in like-mindedness, in particular following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Netherlands helped Czechia reduce its energy dependence on Russia by making capacity available for landing LNG, amounting to more than a third of Czechia’s needs. Czechia helped the Netherlands with the purchase and upgrade of Soviet weapons, including 45 tanks that were supplied to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. We also see a Czechia that is more engaged with the EU, as exemplified by its very successful Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2022. This allows for increased cooperation, both at the bilateral level and within the European Union and NATO. The key shared themes are the rule of law, press freedom, human rights, the internal market, free trade, sustainable public finances, good transatlantic relations, and support for Ukraine. During the Presidency, we received 72 delegations from The Hague, including our PM and other members of the government. Although delegations came primarily for the EU Presidency, several visits also had a bilateral focus. This included the visits of our ministers of Agriculture,

Transport, Legal Protection, Migration, and Digitization. The visit of Minister of Defence Ollongren actually led to aforementioned cooperation with Czechia to provide weapons to Ukraine.

This interview is done on the occasion of King’s Day, your National Day. What does this special day mean for you?

King’s Day marks the birth of our sovereign as well as our national unity. When Queen Juliana was head of state, this day (Queen’s Day) was celebrated on 30th April. Queen Beatrix, herself born on 31st January, maintained this day out of respect for her mother (with Spring weather as an added benefit!). With the reign of her son, King Willem-Alexander, the date was moved to 27th April, his actual birthday. Traditionally, the King and his family visit a different Dutch municipality every year, which allows the locals to show off their city and the surrounding area in their own unique, festive way. King’s Day is also an opportunity for the monarch to honour citizens for their service to the Netherlands.

As an Embassy, we mark this day by sending a personal message of congratulations to the King on behalf of the Dutch community in Czechia. In addition, we organize a reception to celebrate this festive day with our Czech and diplomatic contacts and the Dutch community. This is also a moment when we extend our best wishes to the Czech Republic, as a trusted partner and fellow member of the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies.

H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret, the Ambassador’s spouse

King’s Day

Here are selected parts of the speech H.E. Daan Huisinga delivered on this occasion.

Dear Ministers, Members of Parliament, your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests.

A warm welcome on this cold day at the Dutch residence, where Dutch ambassadors have celebrated this special day for almost 75 years.

An especially warm welcome to our guest of honor, the minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mikuláš Bek, and Mrs Bek. Pleasure also to welcome again the last year’s guest of honor, Minister of Industry and Trade, Josef Síkela.

On King’s Day we celebrate two things:

• our independence as a nation, for which we fought

Spain for 80 years and which was formalized in 1648; • the birthday of His Majesty, King Willem-Alexander. This celebration unites our country every year as people dress up in orange and enjoy concerts, games, special events as well as the many flea markets where kids (and some adults) try to make extra pocket money by selling whatever they can find in their home attics.

Freedom

In the past year, we have seen what freedom means and what it costs to defend this. I am of course talking about Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and Ukraine’s admirable courage and resourcefulness in defending itself.

When we gathered here in April 2022, we were still quite anxious about developments in Ukraine, the

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Pavel Matela

On the occasion of King‘s Day, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga, and Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret hosted a reception at the Ambassador‘s residence.

H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands having a speech next to his wife Mrs. Anne Huisinga-Paret and all embassy staff

scale and the brutality of the Russian onslaught. One year later, in spite of the enormous human suffering and destruction, we can be much more confident. The invasion has been brought to a halt, the tables are turned, Ukraine is pushing Russia out. We must do all we can to help Ukraine. The Dutch government remains committed to support Ukraine, to do whatever it takes, as long as it takes.

In doing this, we cooperate closely with Czechia: 90 T-72 tanks have been modernized here – financed by the Netherlands and the US in equal parts. The Netherlands also funded 100 vehicles with anti-aircraft guns, which are being assembled here in Czechia. We also work with Czechia to hold Russian soldiers and their leaders accountable for the numerous war crimes committed in Ukraine. Up to 15 Czech experts joined a Dutch-led multinational team that collects evidence for the International Criminal Court.

Presidency

In my speech last year, I looked forward to the Czech EU presidency. Today, I can look back on a successful EU presidency. Czechia can be proud of its achievements. Maintaining EU unity on Ukraine; adopting sanctions packages; managing the energy crisis, with meetings until the very end of the Presidency. Our guest of honor, Minister Bek, played a central role in this success, as well as Minister Síkela, on the economic front.

Czechia has made a reputation for itself by being a ‘work horse’ presidency – seen and respected by all of the EU (and beyond).

For our embassy team, this meant 72 incoming delegations. Including our PM and other members of the government. Although they came primarily for

From right: Mikuláš Bek, Minister of EU Affairs, Markéta Beková, Minister’s spouse, H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret, the Ambassador’s spouse

Embassy and residence staff

the EU Presidency, we managed to squeeze in quite some bilateral business. This included the visits of our ministers of Agriculture, Transport, Legal Protection, Migration and Digitization. The visit of Minister of Defense Ollongren actually led to aforementioned cooperation with Czechia to provide weapons to Ukraine.

I say this not to show-case our efforts, but to illustrate that Czechia is back in the center of Europe as a trusted ally and partner, with the determination, the experience, and the skills to make a difference in the Union - our Union - that is still taking shape.

NL branding

Besides the war in Ukraine and the Presidency, one might forget all the other work the embassy is involved in. To briefly highlight:

In September 2022, the LNG terminal in Eemshaven was launched, where Czechia lands more than 1/3 of its annual gas needs. Realized in 6 months, with Minister Síkela as one of the main drivers on the Czech side. It is an example of European solidarity; of what we can achieve in the trusted framework of the EU.

The Czech Circular Hotspot and the Circular Academy were launched with strong Dutch support, promoting the reduction of waste, reusing valuable materials, and reducing the strain on resources.

I am also proud of the masterclass on Cities of the Future, being taught at the Technical University by

Dutch architect Winy Maas. It embodies the longstanding cooperation in architecture and spatial planning between Czech and Dutch experts. Our cooperation on smart industry continues. You saw some examples of Dutch innovation power in the videos on display in the hallway. And we continue to work with Czech parties to promote cycling in ways that work for local communities. Just yesterday, I visited mayor Svoboda of Dobříš – also present here today - to witness his bike-to-school project and share similar Dutch best practices with students and members of the town council.

Team NL

Before I give the floor to our guest of honor, let me thank the Embassy team. Most of them are here, behind me, while some are still on duty at the front door and in the kitchen. Without all of them, our work as an Embassy, including this event, would not be possible.

Sponsors

The other people who made this event possible are our sponsors, representing the thriving Dutch business community in Czechia. Thanks to their efforts and that of their Czech counterparts, the Netherlands occupies a permanent place in the top 10 of Czechia’s economic partners.

Minister Mikuláš Bek having a speech as a guest of honour

From right: H.E. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan, Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret, spouse of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs. Atsuko Suzuki, spouse of the Japanese Ambassador

From right: Mr. Mikuláš Bek, Minister of EU Affairs, H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with his spouse Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret, and Mr. Jozef Síkela, Minister of Industry and Trade

Our SUCCESS depends on the SUCCESS OF THE EU

Arriving in the Czech Republic at the time of the Czech EU Presidency last September gave H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Rønneberg, Ambassador of Norway, “a flying start” as he nicely puts it. “Flying” seems to also be a fitting description of our interesting interview, where he manages to directly address all topics raised. You can look forward to finding out about his knowledge of the Czech language, Norwegian gas and seafood in Czechia and Škoda cars in Norway, EEA and Schengen agreements, and unfortunately also about the Russian aggression towards Ukraine.

How did you become an ambassador?

I have been a diplomatic adviser for most of my working life – in the Norwegian Parliament, in the Office of the Prime Minister, and in the Foreign Service. After having worked at various levels in several countries, I found it natural to seek ambassadorial postings. Being an ambassador is an honour and a privilege. Being an ambassador to the Czech Republic is especially satisfying due to the country’s rich culture, beautiful cities, and friendly people. The fact that the relations between Norway and the Czech Republic are broad and problem-free makes the posting here in Prague exceptionally rewarding for me.

You arrived in the Czech Republic last September. Can you share some of your impressions so far?

The Czech EU presidency gave me a flying start, with numerous political visits from Norway. I would like to commend Czechia on its very successful presidency. The way you steered the EU during an extremely challenging period is very impressive.

I have also, with great interest, closely followed the presidential election and the honourable change of Head of State.

Furthermore, I have used my first few months to learn more about Czech society through visits to different parts of the country, and through meeting people from various segments of society. The numerous new

contacts I have made reinforce my impression that Czechs and Norwegians are quite likeminded; having much of the same humour, sharing their interests of sports and outdoor activities, showing solidarity with the less fortunate, believing in freedom and democracy, and being willing to defend our common values and support those that are defending theirs. I have even started taking Czech lessons, but I must admit that it will still take some time until I command this exceptional language.

You say that Czechs and Norwegians are quite likeminded. Do our bilateral Czech-Norwegian relations reflect that?

Today’s bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Norway are both broad and very close. We are partners in Europe, work closely together in the UN and many other international organizations, and are allies in NATO.

Our trade last year amounted to CZK 85 billion, with Norwegian gas and seafood being the major imports to the Czech Republic, while Škoda cars dominated Czech export to Norway. In Norway, over 90% of all new cars are electric, and Škoda Enyaq is a bestseller. In fact, I myself have an Enyaq for private use, and we also have one at the Embassy, so I can testify that Škoda really produces great EVs.

Quite a few Norwegian companies; such as Orkla Foods, Jotun, and Sapa Aluminium; are present in the Czech Republic, and the Norwegian Oil Fund

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Pavel Matela

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. VICTOR CONRAD RØNNEBERG, AMBASSADOR OF NORWAY

has made substantial investments in the country, particularly in the property sector.

The Czech Republic is a popular destination for Norwegian tourists. Before the pandemic, approximately 70,000 Norwegians visited Czechia annually, and we are now getting closer to that number again. Many Czechs also visit Norway, particularly the countryside, where you often find Czechs off-piste skiing, parasailing, river kayaking, and mountain climbing.

There is also a strong cultural cooperation between our countries. Norwegians very much enjoy Czech music and art, and Czechs seem to like Norwegian literature and film. Many dozen Czechs study Norwegian, and more than 150 Norwegians study, mostly medicine, at Masaryk and Charles Universities and at the University of Hradec Králové. Furthermore, the EEA and Norway Grants have encouraged bilateral cooperation in several different areas.

Can you tell us more about the EEA and Norway Grants?

The EEA and Norway Grants are the contribution of Norway (and also Iceland and Lichtenstein) towards reducing economic and social disparities, and strengthening bilateral relations with the recipient countries. Since 2004, the Grants have supported 1,700 projects in the Czech Republic, valued at more than CZK 10 billion. The cooperation covers areas such as research and innovation, environmental protection, cultural cooperation, public health, education, and the justice sector. Great emphasis is given to human rights issues, including support of the LGBT+ community and Roma inclusion.

The present program period is shortly coming to an end, and Norway and the other two contributing countries are presently negotiating the terms of the new period with the EU, which in turn will be followed up by an agreement with the Czech Republic. It is important to note that, although not a member of the European Union, Norway is more integrated into the European economy through the EEA and Schengen agreements than most EU member countries. Our success depends on the success of the EU, and we do what we can to underpin a strong and united Europe.

How has the Russian war in Ukraine affected Norway?

The unprovoked Russian aggression towards Ukraine was also a surprise for Norway. Norway is bordering Russia, and for the past 25 years there has been

extensive cooperation across the border, from student and cultural exchanges to environmental protection and business cooperation. Today, the border is de facto closed and almost all cooperation ceased; the Norwegian Consulate General in Murmansk has shut down. As late as last month, Norway expelled 15 socalled Russian diplomats. Norway has also supported the suspension of Russia from the Artic Council, and from other regional arrangements in the High North. We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the increasing totalitarianism in Russia. Norway stands united with the EU and other Allies in forcing Russia to give up its imperial ambitions, and to live up to its international obligations. To this end, we have approved all EU sanction packages and other measures against Russia.

Norway has further maximized our gas production to help compensate for the abolition of Russian gas. Today, we are Europe’s biggest gas supplier, and provide over a quarter of all gas to the EU. Hence, Norway also provides a large part of Czechia’s gas. To secure the reliability of supplies, we have, together with our Allies, also taken several steps towards protecting the sub-sea energy infrastructure in Northern Europe, including 8,000 km of pipelines. We are not only supporting Ukraine politically, but Norway is also a major supplier of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Last year, we provided more than CZK 20 billion to Ukraine and other countries in the region. Earlier this year, the Norwegian parliament agreed on a five-year aid package to Ukraine and Moldova, worth CZK 150 billion.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of Norway. What are your wishes

for Norway? And for the Czech Republic?

On the 17th of May we celebrate the Norwegian Constitution, which is the third oldest in the world. The 1814 Constitution ensures Norway’s independence, and has laid the foundation for our democracy and prosperity. We have since learned that freedom, justice, and democratic rights cannot be taken for granted, but must be nurtured and defended if they are to be preserved.

We are presently engaged in a broad struggle, testing whether these values can endure. Spearheading this struggle today is Ukraine. My wish for both Norway and the Czech Republic is that our countries have the will to continue supporting the Ukrainian people in their unwavering and courageous fight for their own, as well as our, freedom and democratic way of life.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. VICTOR CONRAD RØNNEBERG, AMBASSADOR OF NORWAY

I want my town to become a “BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT”, with an original soul

He does not follow social media, but instead listens to people he knows and respects. He has a vision of his town becoming a kind of British aristocrat among the towns of Czechia. His party got stronger in the last local elections, which he considers a confirmation that the work he has done and the vision to be fulfilled are appreciated by the public. Meet Martin Mrkos, Mayor of

nad Sázavou.

Tell us a bit about yourself, please.

I consider myself an open-minded, tolerant, and friendly person; keen on working for the place I live in. I am a competitive person, so it is my internal personal driving force to make Žďár one of the best places to live in our country. I enjoy travelling, sports (ice hockey, running, cycling), culture, and beekeeping. I love to be around people, and to have discussions with them. I believe I am goal-oriented, with the good

managerial skills to be able to encourage teams to make Žďár a better place.

You are a member of an independent political party. Is that the place where your inspiration comes from?

Our party is covered by STAN (Mayors and Independents Party, in Czech Starostové a nezávislí), however, in the region we are indeed an independent

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

Žďár

party. My inspiration comes from my colleague mayors of various towns, who have made their towns brilliant. On a global scale, celebrities I find to be particularly inspiring include Bill Gates and Václav Havel.

What made you become the Mayor of Žďár nad Sázavou?

I believe it was my vision. When I was in the UK I fell in love with a car, a Bentley Continental GT. It is a typical English aristocrat with a sporty soul that looks ahead. It is a car that won’t take a family of five and 15 suitcases to the sea, or a barrel of beer to the weekend cottage you have in the middle of meadows and groves, but surely you feel that does not detract from its beauty and grandeur. I have an ambition and a vision that Žďár nad Sázavou, the city of which I am mayor, will metaphorically become such a Bentley. Of course, we don‘t have the advantage of being a big city (that’s what taking the family to the sea is all about), but then again, we have what others don’t and won’t have: A soul of a nice quirky city, in which the appearance of the industrial past is combined with the technologies of the 21st century. It is in the spirit of the saying „original never fits“.

Žďár is located in the middle of beautiful nature, and you can see that an environmentally focused and technological town is being profiled here, absorbing modern trends, artfully combining a certain sleepiness with energy and dynamism, contrasting old and new, retro and modern, history and futurism. Part of fulfilling my vision is cooperating with like-minded investors and developers, people who are welcome here. The rules for developers and the profile of the city for investors predetermine the quality of relationships and the implementation of good projects. We invite everyone who can see an opportunity in such small positive local islands like Žďár nad Sázavou, which are unique in the same way as the abovementioned British aristocrat car.

What are the duties of a mayor?

Being a mayor of a town size like Žďár means it is a managerial position. As I see it, the main tasks are to offer visions to the public, solve problems, connect people, and develop external relationships – with government authorities, members of parliament, and other decision-makers and stakeholders. I am responsible for and “report” to the public and to the members of a town board. I work on strategic matters, from closing a local green deal to seeking

a solution for a slightly bizarre dispute between two organizations breeding post pigeons :-)

You were elected as mayor of Žďár nad Sázavou a few months ago. Can you share some of your impressions?

The election results surprised me in a good way. We got stronger as we have nine members in the town council (out of 27) now, while we had five before the elections. I believe it is a confirmation that our vision and the work we have done is appreciated. It is, however, a great responsibility and commitment to the public as a whole, and perhaps proof that the voice of Facebook (full of haters) does not equal the voice of the public as a whole.

Which issues are the most problematic in Žďár nad Sázavou?

Despite working on the change, we are still dependent on fossil sources in the field of energy. We also face some demographical challenges due to historical development in the past, which may induce more financial pressure in health and social care in the future.

What are the main challenges for you and your colleagues?

I see the main challenges as making the town sustainable and resilient in the context of climate change. We also put a great deal of effort into making the town independent of external fossil sources. Another local challenge is to make the transport infrastructure smoother and more passable.

As mayor, what strategy are you going to follow for the next four years?

Žďár is a town situated in the middle of the Czech Republic, in a preserved nice nature area. This makes Žďár very attractive for living in, so my strategy is to beef up this benefit and value with many blue-green projects. A great environment will attract smart people and technological and smart companies to live and settle in Žďár. A snowballing effect is then expected, resulting in the natural evolution of the town.

How will you maintain the quality of life for the residents, alongside the development?

We strongly focus on the quality of solutions in all areas that may affect people’s life. Our philosophy is to put the human being at the centre of all projects, visions, and plans. We always ask how “it” affects people first. Only then do we solve the look and solution of

the public area around. Finally, we discuss the details, e.g. how a building will look and work. This approach means that the projects must automatically be of a high quality. If not, it is not possible to realize them. We also have some technical rules for developers, which reflect the approach described above.

Recently, we got the bad news regarding the decreasing of the number of Czech post offices. How will that affect Žďár nad Sázavou, especially considering its location?

We must realize that the service of post offices is rather a “generation service”. What I mean by that is that the service is mainly used by elderly citizens, who are not very digitally competent, and it is difficult for them to take advantage of the competition, which offers more flexible and innovative service. The data we received is clear, showing the number of clients has been rapidly declining. In Žďár, we will lose two counters, ending with eight instead of the original ten. We may expect the waiting time to increase in peak times in the post office. It is still possible we will arrange a so-called “Post Partner Plus” service; however, it is just being analysed

now. This kind of service could mitigate the negative impact of closing the post branches, especially in the geographical context of our town.

A mayor’s job comes with a lot of criticism. Are you ready for this?

I do not read social media at all. I try to take both positive and negative feedback only from the people I respect, and whom I know are unbiased and able to think critically. It is also about learning to distinguish between the criticism that makes you better, and shows you new opportunities and challenges, from the one that is just a manifestation of people’s needs to be an anonymous hater. In general, however, I need people around me who do not just nod along. An open discussion is extremely important.

In four years time, will people say that you were effective in solving Žďár’s problems?

To make sure that people really say this in four years, I have to look to the future. That’s the only way to succeed.

From left: Pavel Hájek, Member of the Board of the Regional Assembly, Radim Hošek, Member of the City Council in Jihlava, Martin Mrkos, Lukáš Vlček, Member of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

The ephemeral nature of dance forces us to be in the HERE and NOW

“I come from the world of history and dance, which I studied at the Sorbonne University. I have pushed dance further with various training and rich professional experiences. I am amazed at the fruitfulness of this double approach, which led me to think of unusual structures, especially for my adopted country since 1997, the Czech Republic” – these words are but a brief introduction to the creative and passionate world of Marie Kinsky, dancer and founder of the KoresponDance International Festival of contemporary movement arts.

What is going on in contemporary dance today? What attracts the fans?

For the 25 years that I have been watching the development of Czech contemporary dance, I have been fascinated by the richness of the directions it takes, both in terms of the intimate and topical subjects it deals with and the formats it uses – performances, installations, gallery events, and interaction with the public. Sometimes it is scary: what is it about? But, if the spectator lets his sensations, emotions, and imagination work, then he

is in tune with what the artists are doing. Dance raises the question of the embodiment of ideas, of reflections, of ourselves. For example, when a dancer falls. In the personal experience of the audience, the fall may be associated with memories of danger (illness, death), or shame (dirtiness, incompetence). Or, on the contrary, the audience might see it as a rebound. And combine all of these (different perceptions) at will. These experiences will be linked to the artist’s, to the factual qualities (tenderness, brutality, etc.) that he puts into them,

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

to the context in which this fall takes place, and thus form a reading of himself and of these possibilities. A “know thyself”, to connect with and understand the other. It is so powerful in its simplicity that, through dance, it is possible to understand the essence of a foreign culture, or to become aware of social facts that do not emerge from analysis.

The ephemeral nature of dance forces us to be in the here and now, in the moment of perception, of thought in motion and of action. Unlike social networks, dance does not demand immediate emotional reactivity, but a sensitive reflection that is cultivated and constructed.

You founded the KoresponDance – an international festival of contemporary dance, movement theatre, and new circus. Tell us more about your vision.

KoresponDance is an international festival that combines current forms of movement arts: dance, street dance, new circus, and movement theatre. The programme is varied, does not compromise on the quality of the invited artists, and aims to give each visitor a gift: at least one magical memory. Each year, a theme linked to local life is chosen in order to give cohesion to the programme.

It is a festival that invites shows that link with the place, and engages the inhabitants to participate in the programme alongside professional artists. Organising this festival in the unique Žďár Monastery Castle in the summer is a gift to all, including artists and audiences. Rediscovering places in the city is exciting too.

KoresponDance is for everyone: children, families, and professionals. No education or knowledge is necessary. The mornings are joyful, with the artists giving workshops to those who wish to attend, and the afternoons and evenings are full of performances and discussions.

It’s a time of joyful effervescence that I love.

This year, we are looking forward to what is already the 11th edition of the festival. What can we expect?

This year, KoresponDance celebrates the 300th anniversary of a genius architect who left many buildings in Žďár, Santini. He is an emblematic figure for the region, and our citizens are rightly proud of him. In Prague, the festival celebrates the 100th anniversary of the architect Prager, whose achievements are the opposite of those of Santini. Buildings composing a landscape and seeking the harmony of contrasts will thus be confronted with

a radical architecture of a sculptor, curves against right angles, stone against steel and glass. The invited performances question the underlying ideas of these artists, and transform them. A beautiful dialogue between the fluid spirals of Yin Zero’s new circus and the harmonious vitality of The Requiem’s dance of Beatrice Massin. A game of horizontalvertical variations of walls and doors in Exit, and an anti-gravitational building with Eliška Brtnická, who dreams of flight and purity. The play of number symbols that the jugglers of Tall Tales reveal to us from the architecture of Santini, and the enthusiastic energy of our extraordinary street dancers Ruben Chi and Kristian Mensa... No less than 17 different shows from all over Europe.

Can you name a few more artists who are coming?

I am delighted to see Rezonance, the production we initiated between the baroque orchestra, Collegium 1704, and Beatrice Massin’s contemporary baroque dance company, in posthumous partnership with Santini and his Green Hill Chapel (of such beauty that it is a Unesco World Heritage Site). An immersive and exclusive event on all levels...

I can’t wait to hear the children’s delight at Exit, a show full of the unexpected, or at Manolo Alcantaras’s strange live constructions. I love the energy and the collaborative spirit of the street dance battles of very inspiring youth.

What audience is your festival intended for?

KoresponDance aims to appeal to all ages and all social and cultural backgrounds. The festival offers short and varied outdoor performances, which makes it easier for families with children to attend. Young people have specific programmes, to which other generations are also invited. Some of the acclaimed performances in Europe are presented in public spaces, and reach out to those who do not think of culture as being for them.

The festival has no language barriers, and programme documents, discussions, workshops etc. are moderated in both English and Czech.

KoresponDance wants to be a festival accessible to all and for all.

How has KoresponDance evolved over time?

KoresponDance started with a timid one-day trial in 2013, and thanks to a very active vice-mayor, has already collected 800 tickets for performances. The programme is now 5 days long: one in Prague, on 27th June in CAMP – Center for Architecture and

Metropolitan Planning, on 13th July at the Republic Square in the centre of Žďár, and from 14th to 16th July at Žďár Castle.

The line of programming has remained the same, following the extraordinary qualitative development of Czech dance, and has expanded to several continents, enriched through its projects with communities, as well as year-round programs to ensure continuity. Our peak attendance for 4 days was 7,500... the festival now belongs to its audience, and is happy to welcome more.

What are the festival’s biggest challenges?

The challenge in the cultural sector is still the financing.

(If you have) solid institutional support from the Ministry of Culture, as well as some sponsors who remain loyal over several years, then you can ensure continuity. Otherwise, every year the teams and I feel like we have to start again at bonjour (as we say in French). To make a beautiful event in the Czech region is a real financial challenge. But the festival production teams are magicians, and with resilience, and an astronomical amount of work, they manage year after year to offer the best possible (experience) to the public.

Speaking of money - not a long time ago, your Zámek Žďár association celebrated great success when it received an extraordinary subsidy to build a creative centre at the Žďár nad Sázavou castle. Who and what would the centre serve?

This creation centre had long been an elusive goal, until, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed.

The European Union, unlike the states that saved their economies and populations by deleveraging, wanted to take the long view. It therefore asked each state to make a strategy for the development and renovation of their cultural systems, which it could finance. The Czech Republic’s choices were threefold: creativity by combining culture with industry and education, the development of the regions by adding modern design structures to the existing system, and the status of artists. Within this framework, we can add a masterpiece to the cultural organization, dreamed of for Žďár since 2011.

The centre that we will be able to open in 2025 is conceived as a creative hub for professionals in the performing arts, the creative industry (architecture, scenography, film, etc.), creative pedagogy, and science (universities, etc.). It is a residence-type research space, outside of time and daily constraints,

designated to allow teams to focus on new concepts, on the unexpected.

It aims to allow encounters and encourage interdisciplinarity. To let the different types of intelligence recognize each other and move forward together. The programme will consist of several teams invited at the same time, with many organised or unorganised opportunities to meet.

The centre is also intended for the regional public, who will have the opportunity to meet our guests (from all cultural backgrounds) at the end of their stay, and exchange ideas with them.

A cultural programme, including the KoresponDance festival, will be offered, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Many of these activities already exist on-site. But the programme will be more ambitious, conducted in better synergy, with a greater number of partners (we have 22 letters of intent signed, including several international networks), and be more intense and visible. It will be able to showcase a good image of the dynamics of the region.

The new feature will be the opening of the magnificent reconstruction of the former convent, designed by Gilles Marty of INCA... a balancing act between respecting the genius of the place and its history, and a radically contemporary, luminous, and warm signature. INCA has already created the new generation museum for the site, in the former monastery brewery. This is also a step forward, building on the continuing cultural revitalization of Žďár Castle.

It seems that you have a lot to do in the coming years…

For the moment, the vision is to give life to the creation centre, and to increase the synergy between the Zámek Žďár museum and its activities. This is on top of the activities of the SE.S.TA choreographic development centre, and the creation centre, without forgetting the ecological activities that my husband is developing with the sustainable exploitation of the forests and fishponds... an endless source of inspiration and respect.

The objective is also to absorb the investment phases, and to reach a viable economic cruising speed in this new configuration. Pushing the public authorities to collaborate continuously, involving more local partners – this is also a work of synergy. There is a lot of work to be done, but there is a lot of good energy around.

INTERVIEW WITH MARIE KINSKY, DANCER AND FOUNDER OF KORESPONDANCE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Each of us has to figure out our own PRIORITIES and CHOICES

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

The diplomatic career of the current Ambassador of Denmark in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Soren Kelstrup, started back in 1992. In this interview, he talks about his childhood curiosity, shares impressions of us Czechs that he got during the two years of working here, and gives some thought-provoking answers. What does he think of Czechia supporting Ukraine? Why doesn’t he like to give other people advice? And when does Denmark celebrate their national day?

A supporting family is crucial for success in any human endeavor. Do you feel this way too?

I am 61 years old and married to Helle, with whom I have four children – two boys and two girls. The youngest is 24 now, so only Helle is with me on this posting in Czechia. I feel very privileged to have her with me and to be the Danish ambassador here. Moving a family every four years can be a challenge. Not so much for myself, since I stay in the same world of embassy work and contacts with Copenhagen wherever my posting is, but for my family it is more complicated. Several times, our children had to leave friends and the world they knew and felt comfortable in. For my wife, it has sometimes been a bit tricky to start all over again, building a network and a meaningful daily life. However, we have always agreed to focus on the positive sides of moving, and on the many new opportunities and experiences always waiting when you pack your bags. We feel grateful to have such a privileged life.

What made you become an ambassador in the first place?

When I grew up as a child in a small town in the western part of Denmark, I was always curious about the size, beauty, and diversity of our planet – I wanted to travel and see it all. Later, in high school and university, that curiosity translated into a keen interest in international affairs. Therefore, working for the Foreign Ministry became a dream for me, and I was lucky enough to start working there in 1992.

Being an ambassador fits your lifestyle perfectly, then?

That’s correct! I have the privilege of seeing the world and meeting so many interesting and inspiring people. For me, being an ambassador is

a combination of work and an opportunity to feed my personal curiosity.

How many countries have you served in so far?

I have served in Romania, Switzerland, and Estonia, before coming here to Czechia in 2021. In between postings, I worked in the MFA in Copenhagen – all in all, 31 years in the service until now.

As Ambassador for Trade Policy, I represented Denmark in the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels, where EU member states meet regularly to discuss and shape the common EU trade policy. For a small country like Denmark, it is a huge advantage to have a common trade policy with the other 26 EU members. This is because the weight of all of us together brings a much stronger position, and more advantages than if Denmark stood alone in global trade.

You have been in the Czech Republic for two years already. Can you share some of your impressions of that time?

I have been very impressed by how Czech society has dealt with the Russian war in Ukraine. Czechia has been a staunch and efficient supporter of Ukraine, and it is the country that has received the most Ukrainian refugees if you measure per capita. I have met ordinary Czechs who spontaneously opened their homes to Ukrainians they had never met before. And Czech authorities and volunteers managed to quickly organize a very efficient system for receiving and helping the refugees.

The fact that so many Czechs still support Ukraine –despite going through tough times with high inflation and energy prices – is what has left the biggest impression on me so far. But of course, my first impression back in 2021 before the war was seeing beautiful Prague and getting used to it as my new hometown!

Can you briefly describe the current status of Czech – Danish relations?

Our bilateral relations are excellent! Politically we are like-minded on most issues – from the importance of staying strong in our support for Ukraine, to the need for the further deepening of the EU’s internal market. On trade and investment cooperation, there are no real problems to deal with. However, our bilateral trade clearly has the potential for further strengthening, and we work every day at the embassy to achieve that.

Together with my excellent staff at the embassy, we also work to make Denmark visible through participating in events, meeting people, and telling them about Denmark. Of course, we also use social media like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to make Denmark and the work we do at the embassy more visible.

Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

Hmmm, I am always a bit hesitant to give other people advice since I believe that each of us has to figure out our own priorities and choices. But, if you are asking what I would have done differently in my career, I could have been better at prioritizing my family and friends and a more sustainable work-life balance.

This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. What greeting would you give to your country?

Actually, Denmark does not have a national day. Since we have never been occupied by another country for a longer period, we do not have a fixed date for the establishment of our country, and therefore no national day.

But we do have three dates which can be used for national celebrations: our Queen’s Birthday on 16th April, our Constitutional Day on 5th June, and our so-called Flag Day on 15th June, which refers to a myth of the Danish flag falling from the sky in 1219. Most Danes see our June Constitutional Day as the most important of the three.

However, here in Prague, we have a nice tradition which I appreciate very much. We celebrate together with our Nordic and Baltic friends on one common date. This only happens in Prague, but in my opinion it should also be happening in many other capitals! This year, Tuesday 16th May has been chosen.

Such a joint reception is a good occasion to celebrate the excellent peaceful and strong cooperation between the eight Northern countries of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. And, in fact, this is just what I wish for my country, as well as for Czechia: friendship and cooperation with other countries.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SOREN KELSTRUP, AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK

Ambassador Soren Kelstrup and his wife Mrs. Helle Kelstrup

A STRONG COMMUNITY is important for a HAPPY LIFE

A leader of preschool scouts, life-long Praguer, and married with children – that is the new Mayor of Prague 3, Mr. Michal Vronský. What are the opinions and plans of this young mayor? What does he think a politician’s job is? And how does he want to ensure the beneficial social consensus in his community?

Can you tell us about yourself?

Both of my parents were born in Prague, so I have lived in Prague all my life. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, I became a member of the Boy Scouts, and today I am still a leader of preschool Scout children. I am married and have two children.

Do you have a role model who is a positive inspiration for you?

Having a role model is very important, but it is often forgotten. In my case, if I should give one name, it is Václav Havel.

What made you become the Mayor of Prague 3?

I have been interested in municipal politics in Prague 3 for almost 20 years. At first, we published a watchdog magazine about the City Hall of Prague 3. It was called Kauza3.cz. Later, we understood that if we wanted to change something, we had to become members of a political party. All subsequent decisions then often resulted from the previous ones. My decision to become a mayor was preceded by many conversations with my wife, for whom this is a very difficult time.

What are the responsibilities of a mayor?

I am responsible for the security and presentation of Prague 3. However, I also have to check on my colleagues and talk them into it a bit. I work 10 to 11 hours every day, which is not healthy in the long run. I believe that, in time, it will calm down and I will be able to relax more.

You were elected the mayor of Prague 3 a few months ago. Can you share some of your impressions so far?

I see that many people turn to the mayor because they believe it will help them solve their age-old problems. That’s hard.

I was delighted to honour the police officers, firefighters, and the public for concrete actions that

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAL VRONSKÝ, MAYOR OF PRAGUE 3

Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and Michal Vronský, Mayor of Prague 3

helped increase safety in 2022. Some of the awardees came with their families, and it was obvious that they appreciated the award very much. A nice memory is also the one of a carnival that we organized, where I was masked as the Žižkov TV tower, which people very much appreciated. I hope that I motivated them to come with a great mask next year.

What do you see as the biggest problem in Prague 3?

Our big topic is education. We have one school which is visited mainly by Roma children. Their parents prefer it because it is a safe environment for their children, but they do not integrate, and the quality of education is not the best either. With regard to other schools, they should cooperate more, and prepare children for life in 2040, not for today. Many people discuss the traffic – parking places, traffic jams, and public transport. We live in a city where each of us has specific

interests, and these interests often go against each other. Finding a balance between them is difficult, but that is the job of politicians.

What are the main working challenges for you and your colleagues?

The Czech society is partially divided nowadays, and I will be glad if we manage to bring it together more and strengthen the neighbourly ties in Prague 3. A strong community is important for a happy life, in both the city and the village.

What are your plans and strategy as mayor for the next four years?

Over the last four years, Prague 3 has already started participating with people when the reconstruction of a children’s playground etc. was being prepared. We have had a very positive experience with the participation process, and want to participate more with people regarding future solutions. It is

Michal Vronský, Mayor of Prague 3, Šimon Ornest, Assistant to the Mayor of Prague 3, Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior, Tomáš Horský, Council Specialist, Fire Department of Prague Castle

a long process, and it costs more money, but social consensus is also a very important goal.

There is a lot of development taking place in Prague 3. How do you look after the interests of citizens in this area?

We must keep an eye on the infrastructure for new citizens. We request three schools, five primary schools, green parks, a medical facility, traffic infrastructure, and more. If we secure these, the new residents will not live at the expense of the current ones. All future courtyards will also be accessible to existing residents. The new district will not be a burden then, but a benefit.

Recently, we got the bad news that there would only be one remaining post office branch, at Olšanská, for the entirety of Prague 3. Can you do anything about it?

Unfortunately, the Czech Post made the decision and

did not give us the opportunity for any discussion. We will negotiate with them about at least extending the opening hours. We are ready to help them with information, so that people know when it is better not to go to the post office at all, or where else they can get the same service. We already operate three Czech Points, so we expect that some of the Czech Post’s customers will move to us.

A mayor’s job comes with a lot of criticism, we would say, especially at the Žižkov part of Prague 3. Are you ready for this?

To be honest, I was really worried about that. What bothers me the most is when people who have never seen me spread „guaranteed“ news about me. I think that we are very often unnecessarily hard on each other. I believe that this rather challenging part comes with public office more often than with other jobs.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAL VRONSKÝ, MAYOR OF PRAGUE

A rapidly changing political landscape requires the development of NEW STRATEGIES

“The Czech Republic did exemplary work in tackling the multiple crises in Europe during its EU presidency. Now Sweden has taken over the torch”, says H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden, and continues: “Both countries are big enough to make a difference, but small enough to realise the need for international cooperation and partnerships. In the Czech Republic, we see an important partner. We are already very close, but we would like to nurture our cooperation even more.”

How do you see your mission as a diplomat?

It is truly a great honour, and a joy, to represent Sweden in this beautiful – and, for us Swedes, so important –country.

When I first started in this business, many years ago, I acted on my wish to work abroad, to broaden my horizons. In those days, the best way to get a chance to see the world was to join the foreign service. At least, I thought so. Now this has changed, with globalization and increased trade. For young people today, there is an abundance of opportunities.

But I have never regretted my choice to become a civil servant, to work for the Government. This I do with great pride. I have been around for so long that my CV has become quite extensive. In my career, I have seen up-close the fall of the Berlin Wall, and how democracy succeeded apartheid in South Africa. I also had the privilege of working in Italy during an exciting period. Before coming to Prague, I had the honour of representing my government in our brother country Denmark. In between, I have dealt with security policy and European issues, as well as legal and consular affairs. At my latest posting in Stockholm, I was director general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You arrived in Prague three years ago. What has your experience been so far?

When the opportunity presented itself, it was an easy decision for me to put the Czech Republic at the top of my wish list. This country, in the middle of Europe, has always attracted me. Sweden and the Czech Republic also have deep and close contacts, which can be

further improved. The Czech Republic is becoming an increasingly important partner for us.

I came here in the fall of 2020, and I remember how happy I was that the Czech Republic was one of the few countries that actually had success in combatting the Coronavirus. During the summer of that year, that over-optimistic (as it turned out) party on the Charles Bridge had been held, celebrating that life would soon return to normal. But it didn’t really work out that way. Pretty soon after my arrival, the country was shut down as the virus came to life in earnest. Therefore, my first year here came to be characterized by in-house work and an almost endless series of video conferences. It is so nice to now be able to work for real, because what we actually do, at all embassies, is to ensure that people meet – and preferably in real life, of course. There are so many contacts between Sweden and the Czech Republic, and I am glad that I can now focus on my actual mission. I divide my time between cultural and social issues, trade promotion, and, of course, politics and EU affairs. At this time, when the political landscape in the Czech Republic is changing, it is a privilege to be able to follow developments on the ground.

What I see now is a country where people are open, interested, and curious. And quite often with very positive sentiments towards Sweden. I find great joy in getting to know this country more in depth. As often as I can, I try to leave the desk at the office and explore the country together with my wife and our son. We really enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the people.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

Right now, Sweden hopes to become a member of NATO after many years of neutral country status. How did this shift in policy come about?

It is easy to note that the Czech Republic has had a difficult journey through history: challenged by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and, as a part of Czechoslovakia, suffering under the Nazi-occupation and the period under communist rule, after the coup in 1948. Only after the Velvet Revolution was it possible to re-join the family of European nations, as a strong and independent state.

Sweden’s journey, in many ways, has been easier. We have never had foreign troops on the streets of our capital (If we exclude our rivalry with Denmark several hundred years ago). In the 17th century, Sweden flourished and became a European power to be reckoned with. And, as you know, we also made quite an impression in Prague, Brno, and Olomouc. I hope that you have forgiven us.

Our modern history was much less dramatic than that of the Czech Republic. We managed to stay out of both world wars, and during the Cold War we trusted a security policy that was often described as a “policy of neutrality”. In the event of a new conflict in Europe, it was our ambition to stay out of it. But, this brief description was in fact a bit of a misconception. In fact, since the Second World War, Sweden has never been “neutral” in the formal sense. Militarily non-aligned, yes, but our security policy after WWII has always rested on extensive cooperation with others: with NATO and with bilateral partners. The illegal Russian attack on Ukraine made it necessary for us to rethink, to some extent. Or rather to develop our policies further. An effective European response to the aggression that we are now witnessing requires even closer cooperation, and for Sweden, together with Finland, NATO membership was seen as a very logical step, bolstering both our national security and that of Europe. We will be entering NATO with the explicit ambition to be an active member, contributing to European security. Yes, two NATO members have not yet approved our application for membership, but I am convinced this is only a matter of time. We have now done our homework and are ready for membership. This is also acknowledged by NATO as an organisation. Our Finnish friends are also very clearly stating that their membership is complete only when Sweden is at their side, on the inside, as a new member of the alliance.

Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the EU after the Czech Republic. As a representative of your country, what do you expect?

In regards to our EU policies, it could perhaps be said that Sweden and the Czech Republic initially looked at the EU from slightly different angles. There was, for many years, a slight reluctance in the Czech Republic, based, I think, on the country’s historic experience. Of course, the Czechs did not want to be dominated by foreign

powers again. Also, not by “Brussels”. Sweden was also a bit careful when approaching the EU membership – since we had, for very long, done rather well on the outside. In fact, Sweden also became a member of the EU rather late, in 1995.

But today, our EU policies are very similar, and the Czech Republic is an increasingly important partner for us. Both our countries are trying to figure out how best to promote our interests in a rapidly changing political landscape. We are both very preoccupied with our relations with the Chinese, the Russians, and the Americans. We are both strong advocates for human rights, the rule of law, and the efficient use of the Union’s spendings. When we look at the European cooperation today, an important point of departure, for both our countries, is our relative size. We are medium-sized (not small!) European countries, heavily depending on export. Therefore, the internal market and questions about market access are crucial to us.

With the Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union, we also saw a clear and very positive development in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic did exemplary work in tackling the multiple crises in Europe – first the pandemic and lockdowns, then the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, and the following energy crisis and inflation. Now, Sweden has taken over, with respect and humility in the face of all of these difficulties – but also with great determination.

Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of a peaceful neighbour has robbed millions of Ukrainians of their freedom. Ukraine is fighting for its survival as a nation – and for the security and lives of its citizens. We are all suffering due to the war, but it is Ukraine that is paying the highest price. And remember, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting not only for their own freedom, but for the freedom of all of Europe. I would again like to commend the Czech Republic for the way they coordinated the European response to the Russian aggression. The EU and its member states have rallied unprecedented support for Ukraine, and will remain firmly by its side. This will be the most important challenge during our Presidency, to maintain unity in that support.

The other priorities for our Presidency – the EU’s economic competitiveness, the green transition, and the rule of law – were also important dossiers during the Czech Presidency. We have simply taken over the torch from the Czech Republic.

How do you promote your country here in the Czech Republic?

As I said, we have very close cooperation in our official relations, on the state level. But even more, I would like to emphasize the strong bond that exists between our peoples, and between us as individual human beings. This is perhaps my most important observation after having worked here for almost three years: Swedes and Czechs have a lot in common in their daily lives. Even

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. FREDRIK JÖRGENSEN, AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN

if we come from different parts of the continent, with different experiences, we very much tend to have the same outlook on life.

Our love for nature, as well as our passion for ice hockey, tennis, and “mushrooming”, means something. So does our longing for the uncomplicated life in our summer houses.

We appreciate the simple things in life. Swedes, in general, would like to see themselves as modest people, haha. Czechs and Swedes are perhaps not extremely extroverted, but rather a little reserved and cautious, I would say. But when we create friendships, we often look for long-term companionship.

This common perspective is a great asset in the work of the Embassy, in promoting Sweden. Many Czechs have a great interest in Swedish culture; so many doors are opened for us. We are very active in visiting book fairs and exhibitions, for example. Literature is an important area for cooperation.

Are Czechs and Swedish also good at doing business with each other?

An important aspect, when describing how we look at ourselves and at the world, is the word ‘partnership’. When describing Swedish industry and production, we have gone from the classic “Made in Sweden” to “Made by Sweden”. Nowadays, we often say “Made with Sweden”, underlining even more how dependent we are on partnerships, on cooperation with others. In the Czech Republic we see a potential strong partner. We are already very close, but we would like to nurture

our cooperation even more. Again, our relative size matters here. Both countries are big enough to make a difference, but small enough to realise the need for international cooperation and partnerships. A key word in the Embassy’s work is “benchmarking”. Quite often, we compare notes with our Czech friends, to learn from each other’s experiences. The best example is maybe what we have called “The CzechSwedish Healthcare Innovation Platform”. Over the years, we have had an extensive exchange on topics such as vaccination strategies, coronary diseases, leukemia, and different forms of cancer treatment.

Swedish and Czech trade relations have historically strong ties, mainly rooted in similar base industries. Swedes and Czechs can (in simplified terms) often be seen as inventors and engineers, rather than (perhaps) natural trade people – like, for instance, the Danes or the Dutch.

What makes the industry ties a bit special is the overwhelming Swedish presence in the Czech Republic, with approx. 190 established subsidiaries, employing around 30,000 people. These investments cover the whole industry spectrum – Automotive, retail, construction, real estate, MedTech, general production and engineering, shared services, ICT, etc. We would like to see more Czech direct investments in Sweden, but I think this is coming.

Sweden is here, and we are here to stay, as a reliable partner. This time we come in peace, and we are open for business.

Over time I became more and more INVOLVED

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso;

A manager with a complex work experience, member of the ODS political party, and a family man with a passion for travel, nature, and sports – that is the newly-elected Mayor of Prague 4, Ondřej Kubín. We spoke about a decision he had to make which enabled him to get where he is today, and about his duties as mayor. He highlighted some critical issues Prague 4 is currently tackling, like the Barrandov Bridge reconstruction and the modern development of the city.

Tell us about yourself. I would describe myself as a manager with a unique and complex work experience. I have experience in the field of state administration, at a foreign corporation, in an academic environment, and business experience – as both a natural person and a legal entity. I can therefore look at various work problems with the necessary perspective. Personally, I am a family man with a passion for travel, nature, and sports.

You are a member of ODS (Civic Democratic Party). Who is the greatest inspiration for you there?

Actually, I wouldn’t say there is one particular personality that I look up to. In the current ODS, however, I would point out the calm and patient approach of Petr Fiala. He may be too academic for some, but I am closer to a style of governing that is without big theatrical gestures and a deliberate approach than to an empty macho style. Petr Fiala, through his trip to wartime Ukraine, when he was among the first world politicians to go to Kyiv, showed that he was not afraid. At that time, I was very proud of my prime minister and the Czech Republic.

What made you become the Mayor of Prague 4?

The road to becoming the Mayor of Prague 4 was long and complicated. Of course, when I joined the ODS in 2013, I did not imagine that 10 years later I would become the mayor. I just wanted to help a party that was on the decline at the time, and at the same time represented values that are close to me politically –namely not being afraid to be responsible for one’s destiny, work hard to build our own lives, and help those in need. Over time, I became more and more involved until I reached a stage where I had to decide

whether to continue devoting my free time to politics – which I could have devoted to the development of my business, and, above all, to my family – or to put aside some work activities and go into politics to the fullest extent. You can see what I decided :-).

What are the responsibilities of a mayor? How many hours do you work?

How many hours? Will my wife read this article? Well, it is not a regular Monday-Friday 8-hour or 12-hour shifts. You have to live with the role. In addition to the standard statutory roles, a mayor also has a representative and ceremonial role. It also depends on the role he holds within the council: in my case I am also responsible for finance, security, sports, and European funds.

I don’t look at the working hours. The agenda is extensive. The number of necessary personal meetings – which unfortunately are often unproductive – is also large, and various events and meetings are often held in the evenings or on weekends. Fortunately, I have a wonderful wife, who, in addition to her work, manages evening shifts with the children. I am trying my best to manage my worklife balance.

You were elected as the mayor of Prague 4 just a few months ago. Can you share some of your impressions so far?

It is a position that is very responsible and more demanding than I thought, which is probably not surprising considering the fact that Prague 4 is the largest in Prague, and would be the 5th largest city in the Czech Republic on its own. And, at the same time, I enjoy the work and it is more fulfilling than I thought :-). The more responsibility and autonomy, the more I enjoy it.

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Where exactly do you see the most problems in Prague 4? Are these the same issues as elsewhere in Prague?

Right now, one of the most painful issues is traffic. That affects both Prague 4 and Prague itself. Speaking about Prague 4, we have the three major traffic restrictions, or construction sites. The biggest one is the construction of the new metro line „D“, then the construction of a completely new bridge in Podolí, and the reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge. Well, these important buildings have an impact on the traffic situation within Prague 4.

From the point of view of Prague as a whole, the complexity of new construction is also a big problem, which results in high purchase prices for apartments and flats.

In general, the development of Prague is not easy. Prague is a historic city that experienced a long period of communism, when nothing was impossible and brutalist architecture took its toll, including insufficient planning and archiving. Add to that the wild 90s, and then you find yourself going to repair the sidewalk and running into utilities you didn’t even know existed. And, of course, the absence of the Prague circuit is a big problem. We cannot calm traffic in the city, in the style of Berlin or Vienna, when, unlike these cities, Prague lacks a transit ring.

What are the main work challenges for you and your colleagues?

Apart from the above? The biggest challenge for us is people who offer easy and quick solutions – because it doesn’t usually work that way.

What is your strategy as mayor for the next four years?

We probably don’t have the space to be completely specific here, so I will at least state the basic points. As I have already stated, we are affected by transport constructions, with a large impact. The goal is that we do not just survive these temporary negative effects in connection with the construction, but actively influence and reduce their impact on the lives of our residents. This is not an easy and small task. We also have many smaller projects that we would like to implement with our own funds, both in the social field and regarding the development of new green areas and parks, but we would also like to encourage activity among children and seniors. And we must not forget about healthy public finances.

Prague 4 has a big development area. How will you keep the quality of life for the residents, in spite of developers’ demands?

Our task should be to support meaningful and

interesting projects, and at the same time to ensure that these projects fit into the whole context. Not to allow a high-rise building in a residential area, to monitor the impact on the environment, to evaluate traffic in the area, but also to demand civic amenities from developers, contributions to increase the capacity of school facilities, and other contributions beneficial to the public. Prague is a historical city, but, at the same time, we shouldn’t want an openair museum. Vienna, Paris, Barcelona, and others are historical cities that have modern construction and skyscrapers, and still retain the stamp of world cities.

Recently, we got the bad news about the closing of many post offices. What can you do about it?

I understand the need for the restructuring of the Czech Post, which should have happened a long time ago, but I have a problem with the style of communication when local governments were only informed of how many branches would be cancelled, without being able to discuss local specifics. Disruption of branches is annoying, but, on the other hand, it must be admitted that it is not fatal. Unfortunately, this is a problem, especially for seniors who find it difficult to jump on the path of the digitization of services. However, for our part of the city, we will try to introduce courses for seniors, and to inform the public about less busy times at individual branches.

A mayor’s job comes with a lot of criticism, especially in the largest part of Prague. How will you handle that?

You can never make everyone happy. Whether you are the Pope, a sports star, or a politician, you always have your supporters and critics. I try to do things to the best of my knowledge and conscience, and sometimes you have to make painful compromises, for the good of the whole, or for the future, but that’s part of it. Knowing that, I can live with the fact that there will be critics who think they would do better. It is very easy to criticize without direct responsibility, but with the weight of decisions and consequences, you already look at things differently. I was never afraid of responsibility. The best way to handle the pressure is to compensate for it with sports, and with time with family.

Do you believe that in four years, people will say you were effective in solving the problems of Prague 4?

I hope they will, of course, I will be happy if I manage to defend the mandate. We are part of the City of Prague, therefore the political situation in Prague as a whole will have an effect on us as well.

Entering a NEW ERA after 50 years of bilateral relations

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

“The significance of the Czech Prime Minister’s decision to start his 10-day Asian tour in the Philippines in April 2023 is very much appreciated,” says Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Eduardo R. Meñez. What does he see as the reasons for this visit? Are there any historical ties between the Southeast Asian hub of 7,641 islands, and the landlocked European Czechia? And what is the impact of the fact that 10 million Filipino citizens live outside of their country?

Tell us about yourself, please.

I believe that everyone’s personality is the result of the sum of a lifetime of experiences, and a combination of “nature” and “nurture.” I am a devoted public servant, pursuing the ideals of my parents, both of whom also worked for the government – my father as a diplomat, and my mother as a professor at the state university, whenever we were on home assignment.

My objective as a diplomat is to communicate the common interests between our countries, in order to attain the objective of recognizing the mutual benefits of working together, for a “win-win” situation. Simply put, the AEP (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) that is ascribed to my position means, to me, an “Advocate of Enhanced Partnerships.” But aside from my professional tasks, I am at the stage in my life where I hope that I have succeeded in raising a happy family, and in contributing positively to society. I must thank my parents for giving me the life skills to navigate to where I am today.

Can you introduce your country?

The Philippines, an archipelagic country of 7,641 islands, is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. In 2022, our economy grew by 7.1%, and is projected to grow by about 6.0% in 2023.

As part of Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers itself as a hub for foreign companies, including the Czech Republic, for them to expand their service and manufacturing operations, as well as expand their market access to 663.9 million consumers in the region. Out of that total, over 100 million come from the Philippines.

Aside from its geostrategic location in Asia, it is home to a young and productive, English-speaking, and highly trainable labour force. Czech companies who continue to hire Filipino workers can attest to their character and skill sets, which have increased

company productivity significantly. It is for some of these reasons that I believe that the Czech Prime Minister made the Philippines the first stop in his sixcountry Asian trip in April 2023. Furthermore, like the Czech Republic, the Philippines values freedom, democracy, and human rights – the main foundations that support our sustained political, social, and economic growth and development. The Philippines has one of the oldest constitutions in Asia, the 1899 Malolos constitution, and this spirit of nationalism and democracy has subsisted throughout our history.

Have you always wanted to become an ambassador?

I am a second-generation diplomat, so it can be safely said that I was born into the diplomatic service. Like many other children of diplomats, it is not unusual for us to follow in our parent’s footsteps. Even as a young child, I believed that I was “channelled” to become the diplomat in our family, and I never really thought of pursuing any other career. So many of my life choices naturally led me to prepare for it, and eventually take the competitive examination to enter the Foreign Service.

You have been in the Czech Republic for quite a short time. Can you share your first impression?

I was fortunate, as a young diplomat, to have been tasked with preparing for the state visit of former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos to the Czech Republic in 1997; the same year our government opened our resident embassy in Prague. Therefore, my first exposure to this country is quite historic, and coming back to Czechia in time for the 50th anniversary of our bilateral relations makes me feel like there is an element of destiny involved.

My impression of the Czech Republic after over 25 years remains very positive – Prague is still a picture-

perfect tableau of “old Europe”, which draws millions of tourists. Even the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal visited Prague and Litoměřice in May 1887, and marvelled at the same sites we see today. Also related to Rizal’s story is the fact that one of his closest friends was Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt, whom he visited in 1887. Prof. Blumentritt is one of the known graduates of Charles University, and one who is familiar to all Filipinos because of their friendship. So, the close ties between our people reflect another impression that I am happy to note and propagate, especially as more Filipinos are being allowed to work in this country. I am eager to see the rest of the country, and meet and make many new friends over the next few years, in order to truly get the full experience.

How many countries have you served in so far?

If you count the number of foreign assignments that I have had since I joined the DFA, then it would be five – six years in the Netherlands, two years in Singapore, four years in the US (at the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York), over three years in the Islamic Republic of Iran (where I also covered Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as non-resident AEP), and about three years in Japan. If you consider my life growing up, then there would be more; as a matter of fact, I was actually born in Italy.

How does being an ambassador define your lifestyle?

Having grown up in a diplomatic household, one

could say that I have seen how ambassadors live and behave all my life – so finally becoming one in 2013 was the culmination of this observation and preparation. I am very fortunate to have had the full support of my family throughout this journey, especially from my wife Marissa. She is just as important in ensuring my success as a diplomat, and in raising our family throughout the various life dislocations that can be challenging for those following the diplomat spouse / parent.

What was the best adventure you have ever had?

Diplomats are, by the very nature of our work, exposed to the possibilities of experiencing activities that many others can only dream of doing. While I have many fond memories of all our travels, I would say that when it comes to adventure it probably would be personally driving (in shifts with the embassy driver) through the hinterlands of Turkmenistan in the wee hours of the morning, on a long drive from Tehran to Turkmenbashi port, to attend a conference. I daresay it is not a route that many diplomats have taken. I enjoy driving, and another memorable long trip would be one from The Hague to Prague, which I did with my family in the late 1990s.

What was the weirdest thing you have dealt with?

As a career diplomat of a country whose diplomatic service is involved in the lives of overseas Filipinos from birth to death (in terms of registration for our

H.E. Mr. Eduardo R. Meńez, Ambassador of the Philippines and Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines

government records), I entered the service in 1991, and at that time it was not unusual to physically inspect the caskets of our nationals who died abroad, in order to ensure no forbidden items are transported as well. I have also had the pleasure of conducting civil marriage rites for Filipinos who chose to be betrothed on the embassy or consular premises. Thus, in this way, we really represent the entire Philippine society and institutions when we are abroad – civil registrar, wedding officiator, marriage counsellor, dispute settler of arguing nationals, rescuer of distressed nationals, guest of honour at social gatherings, and general “influencer” given the respect for the office.

Is that the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

For Philippine ambassadors, one of our foreign

policy’s three pillars is the protection and promotion of the welfare of our many millions of overseas Filipinos found all over the world. While the Philippines’ migration policies as a country of origin are recognized to be among the most comprehensive in the world, the constant public pressure to ensure that every Filipino abroad is given appropriate attention when needed, especially in this age of social media and instant communication, is a challenge that many foreign governments are also now experiencing. With over 10 million Filipinos in over 200 countries and territories around the world, if an emergency happens, Philippine media will immediately ask how many Filipinos are affected, and what is the embassy (or consulate) doing to help them. We are trained to prepare for these contingencies, and if we are successful, then the effort is all just in a day’s work. One has to constantly remember and be mindful of one’s actions, statements, and appearances, since misinformation and disinformation can now be very quickly generated and amplified.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy experiencing life as a normal person in the countries where we live. In Prague, my wife and I have meandered around the areas of the embassy and the residence to discover the many hidden spots that others may take for granted. Taking Prague’s efficient public transport expands our areas of discovery, and I look forward to driving around the country as well. I do have other normal hobbies and physical activities, and hope to develop new ones in this rich cultural milieu.

The Philippines is an attractive exotic holiday destination for Czech people. Do you promote your country?

We are pleased to note that the number of Czech tourists in the Philippines is now steadily picking up again after the reopening of the borders. This means that the sustained efforts of the Embassy to promote the Philippines, even during the height of the global health pandemic, are gaining traction.

To increase the awareness of the Philippines in the Czech Republic, we began joining the annual Holiday World and Region World international and regional tourism fairs. Our presence may be small (in terms of exhibition space) as compared to more-budgeted countries, but our continued participation has provided us with positive results. Additionally, we complemented our participation in the aforementioned fair with meetings with Czech travel and tour companies, including airlines, in order to promote the Philippines as a new and exciting destination for Czech nationals. The Embassy also engaged with students in the Czech Republic, by

H.E. Mr. Eduardo R. Meńez, Ambassador of the Philippines and Mr. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

visiting them in their schools and joining their cultural activities.

While I was the Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, we also launched the online Fiesta Filipinas workshops, which allowed foreigners across the world to learn more about Filipinos and their culture. The successful project, which showed how fiestas were celebrated across the Philippines with matching workshop kits given to selected participants, supported the efforts of the Department of Tourism to promote our country. In a way, we gave foreigners the hope that one day, after the pandemic, they could get out of their own homes and countries and visit the Philippines in order to experience, for real, our brand of fun and adventure, our cuisine that differs from region to region (in accordance with the abundance of certain natural resources), the influence of nations that historically engaged with the Philippines (preand post-Hispanic periods), and the warmth of our hospitable people.

Together with the ASEAN Committee in Prague, the Philippines co-organizes or participates in food and film festivals in the Czech Republic. Last year, we were very pleased with the public reception of our Philippine films – Quezon’s Game and An Sadit na Planeta – which showed the humanity and creativity of Filipinos, as well as the sold-out Filipino food and beverage from our vendors at the Festival of Embassies: Food and Culture. This year, we are again looking forward to participating in both events.

What is the current status of Czechia –Philippines relations?

Relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, I believe, are progressing more dynamically. The recent visit of Prime Minister Petr Fiala to the Philippines attests to the desire of both countries

to strengthen political and economic relations, build on existing areas of cooperation, and find new opportunities, as well as deepen the bonds of friendship, which were started even before we formally established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. The significance of the Czech Prime Minister’s decision to start his 10-day Asian tour in the Philippines in April 2023 is very much appreciated.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of the Philippines. Please, feel free to make a wish on this special day. This year marks the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. As a Filipino, this is a proud moment for me and my countrymen because it reminds us of how far we’ve come in getting to our current state of political and economic freedom. We have a democratically elected government, and existing institutions that operate on transparency and meritocracy. We have an economy that has one of the fastest growths in the world, not just in Asia. We have a workforce that not only runs the industries of our country but also, directly and indirectly, contributes to the operations of manufacturing firms and medical institutions across the globe, including the Czech Republic. Thus, as a citizen of my country, I wish that the Philippines would preserve its values that beget equitable growth and sustainable development. As a top diplomat of my country in the Czech Republic, I wish for deeper and stronger bonds between Filipinos and Czechs – politically, economically, and culturally. Our two nations’ strengths and needs complement each other, and it is my duty to ensure that our governments recognize these positive attributes. I hope that this 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2023 signals a new “golden age” of mutually beneficial exchanges.

H.E. Mr. Eduardo R. Meńez, Ambassador of the Philippines and Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

I like the DIVERSITY of my job

Many people in the Czech Republic learnt about Robert Neruda, partner at the biggest law firm in Czechia, during the recent presidential campaign of his wife, Danuše Nerudová. He lives in Brno, appreciates the time spent with his family and friends, and loves the diversity of his current job. What does he see as a great adventure? Does he ever have doubts about the solution he advised his clients? And what kind of work would he like to be doing in future?

Tell us about yourself, please. My Twitter profile says: Antitrust lawyer, former vice-head of the Czech Competition Authority. I am a co-owner of HAVEL & PARTNERS, the largest law firm in Czechia, and co-founder of the opinion platform Rozumné právo. I live in Brno, and am an enthusiastic fan of Kometa Brno (ice hockey). Morning runner. And most importantly – father of two sons and Danuše Nerudová’s husband.

You were very active in your wife’s presidential campaign. Can you share a few highlights with us? Quite surprisingly, the campaign brought our family closer together. The last few weeks have been difficult, but recently my wife and I agreed that the good memories outweigh the negatives. It was fantastic to see the hope in the eyes of the people who supported Danuše, the commitment of the volunteers and the whole team who stood by my wife. I am proud that my wife broke glass ceilings, and opened up topics that were not discussed much until then. When I asked her at the beginning why she wanted to run for the presidency, she told me that she wanted to show others the way – especially young people and women. And she succeeded, I think. That hope has not disappeared, and I believe my wife has not said the last word.

We have a new president now. What do you wish for the Czech Republic in this context?

I wish my country to manage the current turbulent

period, preserve democracy, and continue to be a state of the law with robust institutions such as judiciary and media. I wish for the Czech Republic to modernize and be an attractive place for all generations, young and old, to live in. I believe that the new president will contribute to this.

Do you have any feelings of disappointment due to not becoming the “first gentleman” of the Czech Republic?

I was ready to fulfil the role of first gentleman with all seriousness, and with my full commitment. I don’t really feel bad about not becoming one, though. I have a great job and a lot of plans that would have been more difficult to implement if my wife became president.

What made you become a lawyer?

I’d like to dispel the rumour that law school is for those who are bad at math. I was pretty good at it in elementary school, and I even succeeded in the city round of the math competition. However, quite early on, I became interested in politics and public affairs. Shortly after the Velvet Revolution, I entered the then-newly established humanities high school, and studying law seemed like a logical path. Perhaps the fact that my father also studied law – but via distance learning, and had never practised law professionally – also played a role.

Does your job fit your lifestyle?

It has differed at different times. It is different,

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

depending on whether you’re a civil servant, deputy assistant judge, paralegal, attorney, or a partner in a law firm. What I like about my current job is its diversity: I enjoy advising clients, working with my team, meeting interesting people, and being inspired by them. I also enjoy business development and marketing, both local and international. I have found that I don’t really enjoy monotonous work – and that’s not really what being a partner in a big law firm is about.

It’s good that I can organize my work so that I have space for my family, friends, and my hobbies.

What do you do in your free time?

I try to spend my free time with my family. But I also run every morning, and, in the summer, I ride my road bike quite a lot. My wife and I like to watch good movies and TV shows, such as Yellowstone, Fauda, and Borgen. I go to watch ice hockey regularly, either with my dad or with my younger son. I also bake bread every weekend.

What is the best adventure you have ever had?

Any travel with my family is great fun. I love it when we get to know new places, local people, customs, and cuisine. Last year, we travelled through the west of the USA, and in February we explored Oman. I like to take several day trips with friends, either on road bikes or on foot with a backpack, but always in the mountains.

What is the weirdest thing you have dealt with? Things aren’t usually weird. Some people are weird.

Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of lawyers?

I would advise them to be curious, attend the lectures at university, and also be interested in fields other than law – it could be economics, mathematics, politics, computer science, literature, or marketing, just anything. The future is in a combination of disciplines, I believe. And I would encourage them to do a little bit more than their peers are doing. That, in my opinion, is the path to success in law.

What is the most difficult part of being a lawyer? That responsibility. As a lawyer, you have a great responsibility because wrong advice can lead to great damage. It used to weigh on me a lot to have doubts about the right solution. Today, I consider doubt an important part of my job. In fact, lawyers who have no doubts scare me.

You are an expert at competition law. In your opinion, are we still paying higher prices than other EU countries due to the lack of competition?

I don’t think it’s possible to draw such blanket conclusions. Some things are more expensive here than abroad, while other products or services are cheaper. The price level is influenced by several factors, and taxation and inflation also play a role. The level of competition has an impact, of course. For a long time it has been the case that in medium-sized countries like the Czech Republic competition cannot be as intense as in the case of large countries such as France, the UK, and Germany. While this may still be true for some services that are linked to a specific location, in the case of most products competition is essentially pan-European thanks to the Internet. There is nothing stopping me from buying a T-shirt or laptop abroad, and this logically leads to price equalization.

What do you think about the state of democracy in Israel? Will it become like Poland or Hungary?

I am not an expert on the situation in Israel. Although I admire the country and its people for many reasons, I do not have enough information to make such a fundamental judgment. It seems to me that the specifics of the legal system there play an important role, especially the fact that Israel does not have a constitution, and how important the role of the Supreme Court is. I understand that the court has more power than is common in Europe and that some politicians there are not happy about it. I do not dare to judge whether any reform is necessary – however, it is obvious that the ongoing one has not been well explained to the people and that they are quite understandably afraid of what it will lead to.

Where do you see yourself in a few years? Being a judge? Or the head of the Office for the Protection of Competition?

Even in a few years, I would like to do work that is meaningful and that I enjoy. Even in a few years, I would like to work with young people and help them grow. If my health serves me, I hope to continue to be a partner in our law firm, because that work fulfils all of these criteria. On the other hand, I try to be humble, and will strive to do well in whatever role life throws at me.

INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT NERUDA, PARTNER AT HAVEL & PARTNERS LAW FIRM

Robert Neruda with his wife Danuše Nerudová

There is a “mental Charles Bridge” between our two nations

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso;

archive

Serving in Prague these days while also being co-accredited to Ukraine makes not only Ambassador Mr. Ronald Dofing, but the entire Luxembourg Embassy, even busier than usual. Fortunately, he found the time to discuss his life-long diplomatic career experience and opinions with us. His first visit to Prague dates to 1982, and since then he has discovered many similarities between our two European nations. The bilateral relations are traditionally excellent, so which areas would he like to expand even further?

Can you tell us about your professional career?

Most of my professional career has been spent inside the diplomatic corps of Luxembourg, which I joined some 30 years ago, after my studies at the Sorbonne in Paris and the European University Institute in Florence. It was the unique historical moment when the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War antagonism came to an end, opening up new perspectives for diplomacy and beyond.

Which countries have you been appointed to so far?

A fair share of my initial career was spent in Brussels, working with the European institutions. As a temporary member of the European Council Secretariat, I was able to particularly witness the strengthening of ties between the European Union and Asia and the setting up of ASEM. Back at the Luxembourg Permanent Representation, I was closely engaged in the process of the enlargement of the EU to the Central and Eastern European States, culminating in the 2004 and 2007 accessions. In 2005, I was appointed first resident ambassador of Luxembourg to Poland, setting up the GrandDuchy’s embassy in Warsaw, with its co-accreditations to Latvia and Lithuania. My second ambassadorial posting then was in Athens from 2010 onwards, before returning to headquarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, where I served as a thematic ambassador for international migration, as well as non-resident ambassador to Bulgaria. Finally, I was appointed head of our mission in the Czech

Republic in 2021, being also co-accredited to Estonia and Ukraine.

Do you remember your first post-arrival impressions of Prague?

I was not a complete newcomer to the Czech Republic, since I had visited Prague and other cities and regions on private trips well before my official appointment. My first visit actually goes back as far as 1982, when I came to Prague as a student. The historical and cultural wealth of the Czech Republic has always drawn me to the Bohemian and Moravian lands, to a measure that I can sincerely say that I knew the country quite well already before arriving here in my official capacity.

As a film lover, the works of the Czech New Wave of the 1960s have always featured highly in my personal cinematographic pantheon (especially Jan Němec, Věra Chytilová and the early films by Miloš Forman). The same applies to the brilliant writers of the 20th century in Czechoslovakia.

It seems that you have a lot more to share regarding Czech culture from the perspective of a Luxembourger…

Of course, there are the secular historical and cultural ties between Luxembourg and Prague, harking back to the dynastic Luxembourgish rulers of Bohemia in the Middle Ages, and in particular the “builder king” Charles IV. In this regard, it is striking – and it has been mentioned by many of my Czech friends – how

Photo:

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. RONALD DOFING, AMBASSADOR OF LUXEMBOURG

actually similar the landscape of our two countries is, dotted by numerous castles, with its green valleys and lush farmlands and vineyards. One can safely say that there is a “mental Charles Bridge” between our two nations, which explains how easily we have re-established ties after the decennia of forced separation during the Cold War. Czechs and Luxembourgers share a basic tendency to address issues in a calm, dispassionate, and consensual way. This was probably brought about by their insular and landlocked situation in the centre of Europe, and by their similar experiences of successive foreign rule over the centuries. This has also strengthened their respective national identities, at the same time making them acutely aware of the necessity for good-neighbourly relations and international cooperation.

Is this “mental Charles Bridge” reflected in the current state of diplomatic relations between the two countries?

Last year, we commemorated 100 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries. I can only underline that our bilateral relations, which have traditionally been excellent – I would challenge anyone to give me an example to the contrary! – are currently at a peak, with a very large convergence on European and international issues, and a constantly strengthened cooperation on those topics.

I am looking forward to expanding our relations in the space sector, and also in the support of the Green Economy, including the finance sector. Luxembourg has taken a lead in the promotion of Green Bonds, a crucial issue at a time of energy diversification and the combating of climate change. Coming from a small former mining town in the South of Luxembourg myself, I admire the transformation of the steel plants in Ostrava: here, too, the best practices for setting up research centres for new technologies can be shared.

Where exactly do you see the role of the Luxembourg Embassy in strengthening our mutual ties within Europe?

As one of the founding members of the European Union, Luxembourg is constantly striving to spread the message of solidarity and integration, based on the rule of law and respect of civic and individual

rights. European integration is in the DNA of most Luxembourgers, and the Czech Republic is a natural ally in this endeavour. The role of the Embassy in Prague is therefore to strengthen our ties on all levels of a “citizen’s Europe”, apart from the more traditional duties of economic and political networking.

In 2020, Luxembourg public transportation was made free of charge. What has this experiment shown so far?

Promoting soft mobility has been at the core of the decision of Luxembourg in 2020 to make public transportation free of charge. It has been the first country in the world to do so, and the success has been resounding. Three years on, the formula is proving very attractive to the users of public transport, among them many commuters from France, Belgium, and Germany, who travel to Luxembourg on a daily basis for work.

Tourists also appreciate the extensive tram, bus, and railway network, which allows them to visit the country hassle-free. Among them, more and more tourists from Czechia. In this context, the direct Luxair flights between our two capitals are a bonus – they have also increased the numbers of visitors from Luxembourg in Prague, who often, after their first trip, come back to explore the Czech Republic at large. To support this growing demand, our embassy has expanded its cultural reach-out programs, organizing events of mutual interest, for example the recent exhibition of the painter Guido Oppenheim at the Terezin Ghetto Museum, and the performance by the Luxembourg collective Hani Dance at DivadloX10.

How do you spend your free time in Czechia?

As you can imagine, the co-accreditation to Kyiv takes up a considerable amount of time for all of my collaborators. Leisure time is precious and helps to de-compress. My husband and I are fans of Czech folklore – one of the richest in Europe - and we really enjoyed a Masopust in Roztoky earlier this year. We are also regulars at the Spejbl and Hurvinek Puppet Theatre in Dejvice (the language barrier is no problem here…), and at any Josef Lada show. Another recent highlight was the backstage meeting with rock legend Suzi Quatro after her concert at Lucerna –there are plentiful occasions to have a great night out in Prague!

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. RONALD DOFING, AMBASSADOR OF LUXEMBOURG

A brief introduction to Apostolus and Hayastan: Czech-Armenian archaeological projects

Text: PhDr. Jan Frolík, CSc. and Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive

How Apostolus became Hayastan

In 2016, a cooperation project was launched between the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan. This project focused on a nondestructive exploration of archaeological sites, with the aim of determining their potential for archaeological research, as well as constituting a basis for monument protection. The project, under the name “Apostolus”, continued until 2019, when, under its new name, “Hayastan”, it was transferred to the Institute of Historical Sciences of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Pardubice. It was then expanded to include detailed 3D documentation, not only of archaeological sites, but also of early medieval architectural monuments, and from 2021 was further expanded to include archaeological research of selected sites.

3D documentation continues

3D documentation captures specific monuments in detail, as a basis for their possible study without the need to visit them. Above all, however, it is a record

of their current state. It is a way of protecting them for the future, as it allows to compare (and possibly correct) their changed state. A concrete example of a non-destructive exploration of a site is the Ghanjyan Blur site in Armavir province. The stone structures are visible on the surface, dating from the Middle Ages (the remains of buildings) and prehistoric times (what might be graves). The geophysical survey found parts of prehistoric rectangular stone structures at a depth of about one meter.

An example of 3D documentation can be a mysterious stone monument in the village of Aghitu (at the Vayots Dzor province), dating back to the 6th century BC (the Urartu Empire period). The monument probably served religious purposes. In addition to architectural monuments (the 7th century cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Tallinn / Armavir province, or the church of the same saint in Aruch, also from the 7th century), the world-famous Areni-1 cave was documented.

A detailed documentation of the findings of skulls, buried in containers in the cave during the Chalcolithic period (about 4200 BC), allowed us to reconstruct their

faces, and thus give us a glimpse into the faces of the then inhabitants of Armenia.

The Areni-1 cave is also famous for being the oldest evidence of wine production in the world. The still unanswered question is where the inhabitants of that time lived, and where, in particular, they cultivated vines. Two sites were identified in the immediate vicinity, both in the adjacent valley of the Gnishik stream, which flows from the famous Noravank monastery. Archaeological research was started at both sites in 2021. A settlement from the Middle Ages has been confirmed, but beneath it lies a prehistoric layer whose date has not yet been determined. Archaeological research will continue at both sites, as will the joint project of the University of Pardubice and the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography in Yerevan.

PhDr. Jan Frolík, CSc. is a recognized expert in the archaeology of the Middle Ages, which he has professionally devoted himself to throughout his career. He works at the Institute of Archaeological Conservation of Central Bohemia, as well as the Institute of Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague. For many years, he directed the excavations of Prague Castle.

Promoting COOPERATION between countries is an UNLIMITED TASK

This is our farewell interview with H.E. Mr. Gregoire Cuvelier, Ambassador of Belgium, after his four years of diplomatic service in Prague. As a young man, he studied philosophy. We believe it could be a worthwhile philosophical task to reflect on the fact that he started our talk with the words “thank you”, and concluded it with “bring lasting peace to Europe”.

Tell us about yourself.

Thank you, first of all, for your invitation to give an interview to the excellent “Czech & Slovak Leaders” magazine. I believe that it is now, as my departure approaches, that I can best draw conclusions from my stay in Prague. To introduce myself in two words, I would say that I studied philosophy, am married to Bernadette Van Quaethoven, and we have four children and three grandchildren. I am a career diplomat, and we are particularly happy to be posted to the Czech Republic.

What made you become an ambassador?

I became a diplomat because it’s a job that, in all of its diversity, gives a great openness to human beings in many fields of activity, since it’s a job that you practice in different countries and cultural contexts. Another motivation was for me to serve the State, which is a bit, I believe, a vocation. All of this gives diplomacy its unique character, which is to combine things that rarely come together, namely change and stability. Indeed, the diplomat changes his country, work colleagues, and files every three or four years, but at the same time he keeps the same employer throughout his career.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

Ambassador Gregoire Cuvelier and his wife Mrs. Bernadette Cuvelier

You have been in the Czech Republic for almost four years. Can you share some of your impressions?

My wife and I arrived in Prague in August 2019, and were blown away by the beauty and irresistible charm of the city. In addition to its well-known Baroque heritage, we have learned to discover all of its other architectural marvels: Art Nouveau, Rondocubism, Modernism... which make it a city of multiple beauties. And when I presented my credentials to President Zeman, he welcomed me to “the most beautiful city in the world”. There are obviously other very beautiful cities in the world, but it is true that Prague has a particular charm, which gives its beauty a unique character, carrying a real „genius loci“, as the architectural theorist Christian Norberg-schultz explains it.

I was also struck by the quality of the welcome given to me by the Czechs, in particular at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Work relations are pleasant and efficient – we are really “like-minded”. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended the normal functioning of society for almost two years. The embassies were very affected, since their work is essentially based on meeting new interlocutors and organizing events... The COVID-19 pandemic, however, allowed me to experience new professional experiences, such as the repatriation of Belgian tourists in transit through Prague, from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal, which Czech Airlines had flown back to Europe as part of a European mutual aid program. Here too, I was able to appreciate the rigour and professionalism of the competent Czech authorities, and their real sense of solidarity. Something I would also like to mention is the presence in Prague of a particularly dynamic Diplomatic Spouse Association, which constitutes a real asset for the diplomatic community. Let me also mention another matter, which kept us very busy: my wife and I had to leave the Residence that the Belgian ambassadors had occupied in Prague since 1965, and after a year spent in a temporary residence, we were lucky enough to be able to rent a perfectly suitable residence from the Czech government. It is the Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is our interlocutor, and we are very grateful to them for having given this possibility to Belgium. Among the issues that we have to follow very closely, there is, obviously, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and we can admire the very clear commitment of the government of Petr Fiala in support of this country, including by welcoming a record number of refugees. And simultaneously, our outstanding experience was of course the Czech Presidency of the EU, which was accompanied by numerous visits by Belgian ministers and senior officials, totally mobilizing the Embassy.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

It’s never being able to do everything you should be doing! An embassy must inform the authorities of

the country it represents about the country where it is located, in a lot of areas. The number of staff in embassies has often been reduced in recent years, while international cooperation is intensifying. We must therefore constantly make choices and neglect certain interesting issues. In fact, promoting the establishment of cooperation between two countries is by definition an unlimited task. It is not only a question of informing, but also of explaining and convincing in order to effectively defend the interests of one’s country, which requires constant information work. Fortunately, we can count on the commitment and efficiency of our team of Czech (and Slovak!) collaborators, who are excellent and fully dedicated. And, of course, the life of diplomats also poses challenges to their families: the partners most often have to give up their own careers, and the children must constantly leave their school environment and their ring of friends. In our case, the situation was made even more complicated by the fact that we have a child with a mental handicap. I want to say that I am lucky to have a wife who has totally and effectively supported me in this endeavour!

How many countries have you served in so far?

No more than three: Sweden, France, and the Czech Republic. It’s not much, but it’s linked to our son’s disability. For him to receive a special education in French, I had three different positions in France: at the Belgian Delegation to the OECD in Paris, then at the Embassy in Paris, and finally as Consul General in Lille.

What do you do in your free time?

My wife and I are exploring the fantastic cultural and artistic resources of Prague and the Czech Republic. We are very fond of early music, so we are delighted by the extraordinary Czech musical groups specializing in this repertoire, and in the marvellous churches and concert halls that dot the city.

Can you give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

To young fellow diplomats from EU countries, I would like to advise them to exercise, at the beginning of their career, a function at the Permanent Representation of their country to the EU in Brussels. This helps better understand the dynamics of the ongoing discussions in the Council of the EU, which is very useful when one becomes an ambassador in an EU country.

How do you promote your country as a holiday destination?

The promotion of tourism in Belgium is a competence that belongs to the three Regions of Belgium. They are represented in Prague, and defend their commercial interests, with the support of the Embassy, also making

themselves known as tourist destinations. We also distribute promotional material when we have the opportunity, especially during European Days.

What is the current status of Czechia – Belgium relations?

The relations between Czechoslovakia and Belgium were very good from the start. Belgium was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Czechoslovakia, one month after its proclamation, in 1918. During the Second World War, the Belgian and Czechoslovakian governments both found refuge in London, to continue the fight with the Allies. Czechoslovakian soldiers have thus taken part in the liberation of Belgium, while Belgian soldiers participated in the liberation of Plzeň, with the American Third Army. But then came the cold war, and the fact that both countries belonged to each of the antagonistic blocs was of course an obstacle to the strengthening of the cooperation. Even under these very difficult circumstances, though, some specific cooperation took place between Belgium and Czechoslovakia – in the industrial and scientific fields. The most striking example is certainly the development of anti-AIDS drugs, including the famous tenofovir, by Professor Antonín Holý of the Czech Academy of Science and Professor De Clercq of the University of Leuven, from 1976. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 was of course a turning point, followed by the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004. Since then, the Czech Republic and Belgium are friends, partners, and allies, cooperating closely at the political, economic, and military levels. Both countries participate in building a strong and prosperous Europe, based on common values, eager for freedom and justice. We cooperate on security matters within the NATO missions “Baltic Air Policing” and “Enhanced Forward Presence”. Exchanges have grown steadily so far, except for during the COVID-19 crisis of course.

The volume of our 2022 trade reached nearly €10 billion, i.e. a growth of 18% in one year. The bigger Belgian investments in Czechia took place in the decade following the fall of the communist regime, with Glaverbel taking over the glass producer Sklo Union in Teplice, and KBC purchasing ČSOB. At present, Belgian investments most often come from SMEs, which experience dazzling growth once established here. The strengthening of interconnections also helps strengthen economic ties. This is the case with the opening of a direct rail link between the Port of Antwerp and Ústí nad Labem in 2016, and with the opening of the multimodal terminal in Mošnov-Ostrava last October, in partnership with the Port of Antwerp.

Also, let me emphasize that the cooperation of the Czech Republic is very intense with the Regions of Belgium, which are also present in Prague, under the aegis of the Embassy: the representation of the Flemish Government, as well as FIT and AWEX for the foreign trade of the regions. For example, a new cooperation program was signed last April between the Czech Government and Flanders, in the field of transport, foreign trade, environment, social affairs, culture, education, and science. And let me also mention the Flemish government’s support for the presentation of a masterpiece by Pieter Bruegel in the Lobkowicz Collections in Prague, in a special room that was inaugurated last year.

Belgium’s capital – Brussels – is the main seat of the EU authorities. The presidency of the Czech Republic in the EU Council ended on 31st December of last year. How would you comment on it, as a representative of your country?

Overall, the Czech Presidency acted as an „honest broker“, but with great efficiency thanks to its expertise and determination. The EU thus adopted under the Czech Presidency a large part of the legislative proposals that were on the agenda. The Czech Presidency has fulfilled its mission particularly well in relation to the war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis. The EU has been able to provide a strong response, in terms of political, financial, and military support to Ukraine, and through its policy of sanctions against Russia. One of the great merits of the Czech presidency is to have succeeded in maintaining EU unity on the issue of sanctions, which can affect the Member States in very variable proportions.

Through this success, the government of Petr Fiala has strengthened the image of his country in the EU, which appears more than ever as a reliable partner, capable of playing an active and constructive role in European affairs.

At the end of our interview, what would you like for the Czech Republic and Belgium?

The war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine is a key moment in European history, where our future is at stake. This unjustified and unprovoked aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of an international rulesbased order, and it is totally unacceptable. I hope that our governments – together, bilaterally, and within the framework of the EU and NATO – will find the means to effectively help Ukraine restore its sovereignty, and bring lasting peace to Europe.

We love original CZECH CRAFTSMANSHIP

Director, economist, warehouse manager, and marketing expert. Monika Koťarová runs a platform that brings together over two hundred and fifty Czech creators. “We provide a path to the customer for both emerging and experienced designers”, she explains the idea behind the CVRK stores. “We know most of the creators personally”, she reveals as one of the recipes for success, in the field where sustainability and a good idea play an important role.

You used to work in the automotive industry. What do cars and handmade jewellery have in common? I think the Czech Republic is often perceived as the assembly plant of Europe. But Czechs can do so much more, we have skilled hands and a great tradition of craftsmanship. That was one of the reasons why I didn’t want to stay in the corporate world. I wanted to move from mass-produced things to originality and authenticity. From anonymous manufacturing to real products. I love that behind every product we sell in our store is a story of a specific person.

You are in charge of four designer fashion stores and an e-shop, what are some of the difficulties you’ve had to deal with?

When I came in six years ago, CVRK could have been considered a start-up. When you work in an automotive company you’re like a piece of the puzzle, but here I quickly had to learn how to multi-task. Preparing a good business plan and strategy, managing HR and marketing, and setting up clear processes and responsibilities (where I benefited a lot from my past experience in the car industry). To make a long story short, one is suddenly an “expert in everything”.

On a personal level, of course, I had to “fight with myself” a bit. I had to step out of my comfort zone, leave the patterns behind, and come to the realization that my truth and opinion may not always be the only right ones. I learned humility and patience. I understood that sometimes it’s better to not act stressed, to not want everything right away, but to let things ripen nicely. Then, only the delicious juicy fruits come.

What do you think you have succeeded in?

Today we can say that we have built a sustainable and meaningful business, and that we are a stable and secure platform. You will find more than two hundred and fifty creators whose products we help sell. Everyone is making something different, and thanks to the space

CVRK provides these products reach the customer. It turns dreams into reality, and that’s what I find great, and enjoy supporting. Thanks to CVRK, we are creating competition – and an alternative – to the majority and consumerism. We are showing that Czech craftsmanship, such as seamstresses, jewellery makers, or joiners for example, is of great value. It is also economically important; we are supporting small entrepreneurs who produce in the Czech Republic, and at the same time contributing to the national treasury.

A few days ago, you returned from a pilgrimage in Italy. Italians are big fans of fashion, would a shop with local artists’ work be able to sustain itself there?

Absolutely. We visited several shops in the Italian countryside, not only with designer fashion but also shops where the merchants offered lamps, natural cosmetics, soaps, or paintings. I always had a nice feeling of seeing things of value that were being made in that particular place. This is similar to the idea we are promoting at CVRK. Words like kindness, warmth, cuteness, and ‘feeling at home’ come to mind. I think that kind of positive emotion is very important in our field.

If you were to introduce an Italian to what CVRK is, what would you tell them?

CVRK brings together people of many backgrounds. People who make different products have different opinions. They use different techniques. They are united by creativity, desire, and the courage to follow their dreams. In my opinion, diversity creates room for enrichment. It is definitely true that the Czechs have golden hands. When I travelled the world, I realised that we are skilful, creative, and resourceful.

If you had to name three people who have inspired you the most on your journey, who would they be? There were a lot of people. One of the biggest inspirations

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

INTERVIEW WITH MONIKA KOŤAROVÁ, HEAD OF THE CVRK PLATFORM

Lucie Hvězdová creates her original fashion under the brand COCAT

From a visit to Gregi’s workroom, where Hanka and Tomáš Gregárek make their original wooden jewellery

for me is definitely my grandmother, Alenka Sokolová, who has dedicated her whole life to taking care of her family. Even though she is now 87 years old and can hardly see, she doesn’t hesitate to make me homemade dumplings for Sunday lunch. Then there is my best friend, Hana Rokosová Kukulská, whose heart has remained open despite the difficult ups and downs of life, and is now raising four wonderful children. Professionally and personally, I owe a lot to my coach Gussie Grace Wallem. And not to forget the men, a big thank you to David Pátek for his inspiring vision, and his courage to throw himself head-first into things.

Do you recognize that people are wearing clothes or products they buy from you?

We often say to wear what you are comfortable with, in and out. I am pleased that the creators and customers who come to us are carriers of our values. But besides originality, people find a space for self-fulfilment with us. Do you want to become a painter? Go ahead. Do you want to learn about yourself? You can come to the workshop. Do you like woodwork? You can do that, too.

How do customer preferences differ between ten years ago and today?

It’s clear that people are thinking more and more about what they buy and why. Often, they even consciously pay extra for quality materials. They’d rather have two or three pieces on a hanger than a closet full of stuff. You can see that there are more and more of these customers. The fact that we’ve been open for eleven years, that people know us and keep coming back to us, is good for us. There are also a growing number of designers who really want to create something.

Is CVRK more about things or people?

CVRK is about things that have concrete and real people behind them. It can’t be done without that. I think people take away from us a feeling, as well as things. We live at a time when performance and profit are important, and maybe we forget a little bit about emotions. I think we’re here for people who want to feel good, as well as a wellmade handbag.

How do the Czechs stand in European comparison with values such as sustainability or meaningful business?

I see a return to naturalness and local sourcing. You can go to the local market and buy fruit and vegetables from farmers in the area. I like the fact that we can meet real people and talk to each other, that’s important to me nowadays. You can shop on the Internet and build relationships that feel impersonal, since they happen at the computer. But you can also go to the market on a Saturday, and buy coffee and cake from the local baker.

We’re trying to do something similar at CVRK. We want people to come to us, talk, get inspired, and feel good. But people have so many options, it’s amazing. They can go to a traditional department store, or they can come to us. We are an alternative; it’s good that people can choose what they want.

You sell jewellery, handbags, and clothes from Czech makers. How important is the female element in your business?

I don’t think it’s essential for us, but it has to be said that the creators of the products we sell are mostly women. We also see female customers more often than men –though men do come to us, most often to choose an original gift for their partner or loved ones. But I see the feminine element more in the fact that we are all different, and we are perfect in our imperfections. This is the sense that permeates our entire business. We plan to build a platform where women can offer their talents.

How can we imagine such a platform?

It could be regular meetings. We want to engage in self-development in creative workshops. I like the idea of creating a space for mutual enrichment, for inspiration and togetherness. We all have our gifts and talents, and we don’t have to be ashamed of them or suppress them. We don’t have to be perfect, and CVRK isn’t either. We don’t need to create flawless synthetic series. I think what’s important is the human stamp that our products have.

What does a designer / artist have to do or accomplish to get their products to sell?

We try to have personal relationships with all the artists. We visit them in the workroom or atelier, so we know a lot about them. That’s important. We know how the work is made, and what technology and materials designers use. Scissors, though, are very open to diversity. We are not curators. We don’t judge quality or execution. What I like, someone else may not like.

When we were talking about CVRK, you used the phrase: “We are creating a new luxury of the future”. Can you explain that?

The luxury is not in the price or the flawless execution, but in the fact that the piece is made by a particular maker. You have something made by a craftsman who is located two blocks away. Luxury doesn’t have to be an expensive car, but it can be a vintage car that your grandfather took care of. You can buy a trendy handbag, or you can buy a piece from a bag maker living in Prague’s Lesser Town. You’ll know that he has two children, a dog, and that he loves the smell of flowering almond blossoms. You can choose. You tell yourself that you want this particular person’s product. Somehow it will resonate with you. I think that’s our main mission.

INTERVIEW WITH MONIKA KOŤAROVÁ, HEAD OF THE CVRK PLATFORM

Monika Koťarová

Creative, bold, funny. That’s the impression Monika Koťarová gives. She first used her corporate experience in a non-profit, and is now in charge of the CVRK platform, supporting local Czech fashion and creativity. She likes to describe herself as this platform’s heart and soul.

She studied cultural history and philosophy. Right after her studies, she went to the Netherlands and the UK for work. She has travelled in Asia and Europe, and when she talks about cultures and travel experiences she always tells stories of people she met on the road.

Monika knows how to bring people and ideas together, and she does it in a casual and natural way. Does that appeal to you? Before you know it, you’ll be on her team.

www.cvrk.cz, monika@cvrk.cz

Hanka Leisnerová also thinks about the environment in her work. The material for her original handbags is, for example, leftover leather from industrial production

We also present the work of our creators during fashion performances

In our stores you will find a variety of originals from more than two hundred fifty Czech designers and artists

Every THIRD CAR in Czechia runs on AZERBAIJANI OIL

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and Azerbaijan gained its independence, H.E. Mr. Adish Mammadov wanted to take part in state-building in the country. This made him pursue a political career, alongside the former academic one, ever since. In 2000, he decided to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in 2020 was appointed the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic. How does he feel in the role of a diplomat? And how does he describe the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU countries?

You are successfully pursuing two demanding careers. How did this happen?

I was born in 1968, and graduated from Baku University in 1991, majoring in mathematics. In 1992-95, I conducted some scientific research at Baku University, and after defending my doctoral thesis in 1995, I started my career as a lecturer at the University. In those years, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Azerbaijan just gained its independence. The process of state-building was still ongoing in the country, and as a young and energetic person, I wanted to be a part of this process. For this purpose, in 1996, I had to change from my beloved University auditorium to the Humanitarian Policy Department of the President’s office. The years I mentioned were the most difficult time for my country. Azerbaijan was subjected to military aggression by Armenia, and 20% of the country’s territory was occupied by the Armenian military units. As a result of this act of aggression, more than 30,000 Azerbaijanis were killed, and over 1 million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homeland and became displaced. One out of every nine people in the country was an internally displaced person who had lost everything, and the state was experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe in the true sense of the word. All these problems conditioned me to seriously delve into the history of international relations and foreign policy. As such, in 2000, while furthering my studies at the Faculty of International Relations and International Law of Baku University –where I started my research on ethno-confessional conflicts – I decided to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By the way, I am the author of two books on military-political conflicts, and numerous articles published in domestic and foreign scientific journals.

My monograph, titled “Political-legal Aspects of the Settlement of Internal Conflicts”, will soon be published as well.

While at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one gets promoted step by step to various positions. My first posting to a foreign country as a diplomat was in Iran, and I must admit that my tenure at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran was a great “school” for me. Upon returning from Tehran, I worked in various positions at the Ministry. There is a beautiful adage: “A fool is a soldier who does not live with the dream of becoming a general”. My dream of becoming the ambassador of Azerbaijan finally came true in 2013, when I was appointed to the Kingdom of Sweden. Since 2020, I have been acting as the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic.

Tell us more about your country.

Azerbaijan is not only a mysterious country located in the Caucasus, but also a unique bridge between the East and the West. The name of the country and the history of these lands go back to Alexander the Great. In fact, Azerbaijan was much larger than the borders of today’s Republic of Azerbaijan. In 1828, at the end of the Russo-Iranian war, Azerbaijan was divided into two parts between Russia and Iran, and during the Soviet Union period, part of Azerbaijan’s territory was given to the neighbouring nations by the order of the Kremlin.

In 1918, the people of Azerbaijan founded the first republic in the entire Muslim East - the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. At that time, progressive laws were adopted in the country, and democratic reforms were implemented. For example, at that time, while many European countries (who today have high democratic values) did not have women’s

suffrage, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic granted the vote to all adult women. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, our people regained their own state, and declared the independent Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan is a very active member of such international organizations as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement, as well as a number of important European political institutions and regional organizations. Azerbaijan is a country rich in oil and gas deposits, and with the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the TANAP-TAP natural gas pipelines, it wants to play a role, not only in the energy security of Europe but that of the entire world. In addition to these energy projects, Azerbaijan also contributes to the dynamic development of the world economy by being an important link in the North-South and EastWest transit-cargo projects.

The people of Azerbaijan are a nation with an ancient and rich culture. Since the country is geographically located at the crossroads of different civilizations, elements of these civilizations can be found in the culture and traditions of the people. Today, Azerbaijan has a multicultural society, where dozens of minority peoples, as well as representatives of different religions, live in harmony. Tolerance has become a part of state policy. We are rightly known in the world as a country rich in oil and gas. However, as Azerbaijani people, we think that our wealth lies in

the fact that we have a multicultural society, and tolerance as a way of life.

You have already been working in the Czech Republic for three years. Do you still remember your first impression?

As I mentioned earlier, on 12th March 2020, I was appointed as an ambassador to the Czech Republic by the head of state. In those days, the alarm about the COVID-19 pandemic had just sounded. I was able to arrive in Prague only at the end of June due to the postponement of flights, and the implementation of the lockdown regime in different countries. The city of Prague, which I love very much, was in bad shape due to the pandemic – the streets were empty, restaurants were closed, it was impossible to meet anyone, etc. Thankfully, this boring situation came to an end and beautiful Prague returned to its normal pace.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

First of all, let me say that working in another country as a diplomat is a wonderful feeling. Throughout a diplomatic career, one works in different countries and experiences joyful and/or challenging moments in those countries. Essentially, you become a part of that society, and learn the culture and traditions of that particular people. Therefore, I think that every

diplomat should be able to not only respect but also love the country where he/she works, as well as the people of that particular country. Nevertheless, along with such wonderful feelings, ambassadors, as the heads of diplomatic missions, have to deal with this or that problem. For example, you come across fake news about your country in the host country´s media, and you see that this information is not accidental, but part of the propaganda against your country. Or one of the main figures of a certain political party gives false information to the public by distorting the political processes in the country you represent, either knowingly or unknowingly. Undoubtedly, ambassadors have to “sweat” in order to eliminate such problems. The most undesirable situation for ambassadors is the presence of unfriendly relations between the country they represent and the receiving country. The security problems of a diplomatic mission and its employees are also of constant concern. It is true that the Czech Republic pays high attention to these issues, and, availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the law enforcement agencies of the Czech Republic. Nonetheless, for example, the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in London by radical Islamists last year, or the fact that a terrorist armed with an automatic weapon entered the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran, in front of the Iranian police, committing a terrorist act which resulted in the death of a security official, are both vivid examples that, even today, diplomatic missions face security issues.

What do you do to enjoy your free time in Prague?

My wife and I very much like to walk along the Vltava River on weekends. In fact, Prague might be a standard European city with its architecture, but at the same time, it has a very unique soft and beautiful soul. You never get tired of living in this city. In my free time, I also meet my Czech friends now and then. I love music as well, which is partly because I have a musical education. Music is a divine sound to me. Depending on my mood, I listen to several genres of music, whether it is national music, pop, jazz, or classical. Reading is indispensable to me too. To be honest, I used to read a lot of books on the history of international relations. Now I am more interested in the history and cultures of world nations.

Does your country want to join the EU and NATO?

After declaring its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has become a member of numerous

European political institutions. Over the past few years, a lot has been done in Azerbaijan for better governance through reforms, including in the field of legislation. Today, we can readily say that Azerbaijan is a part of the big European family. There are bilateral agreements of the Republic of Azerbaijan on close cooperation and strategic partnership with nine EU countries. Currently, the EU and Azerbaijan are also negotiating a new comprehensive agreement that will allow for enhanced cooperation in a wide range of areas – this is expected to be signed soon. Economic cooperation between the EU countries and Azerbaijan is expanding day by day. Today, Azerbaijan supplies a number of European countries with crude oil, as well as natural gas via the Southern Gas Corridor. With the new Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy – signed last year by the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – Azerbaijan is committed to doubling the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor, delivering at least 20 billion cubic metres to the EU annually by 2027. Apart from that, Azerbaijan is also implementing a huge project that will deliver electricity produced in Azerbaijan to Europe. In other words, a new chapter has been opened in Azerbaijan-EU relations, and our country has become a key partner of the EU in the South Caucasus.

As a leading member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Republic of Azerbaijan does not intend to join any military-political bloc. In the words of Great Atatürk, Azerbaijan lives by the principle of “peace in the country, peace in the world”, and supports the establishment of peace and tranquillity – both in the region and across the world. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with NATO and contributing to its peace efforts. For example, within the framework of NATO’s partnership for peace program, the Azerbaijani military contingent has been closely involved in ensuring stability in Afghanistan.

What is the current status of Czech-Azerbaijani relations?

Azerbaijani-Czech relations are based on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, and this year we are already celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Political relations between our countries are at a high level. In 2015, during the official visit of President Miloš Zeman to Baku, relations were brought to a new level with the strategic partnership agreement signed between the

two countries. Azerbaijan is also the largest trading partner of the Czech Republic in the South Caucasus, as Azerbaijan accounts for approximately 80% of the Czech trade turnover with the Caucasian countries. It is worth mentioning that one in every three cars in the streets of the Czech Republic is fuelled by Azerbaijani oil. By the way, currently, negotiations between ČEZ and SOCAR are underway regarding natural gas, and I believe that these negotiations will have a positive outcome in the near future. There are great opportunities for Czech companies and Czech businesses in Azerbaijan. Such business opportunities became even more available after the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from a nearly 30-year-long occupation by Armenia. Azerbaijan now aims to fully recover the liberated territories. Despite the fact that the scale of the devastation makes the economic recovery process complex and time-consuming, Azerbaijan wants to transform the liberated territories into areas of high-tech development. New roads, new airports, new towns – everything is being rebuilt, and billions of dollars

are invested in these projects by the Azerbaijani government and foreign investors. As with other foreign companies, Czech companies are also welcome to participate in these construction projects. Today, Free Economic Zones are being created in Azerbaijan, and foreign companies are offered incredible concessions to operate in these zones. Considering that there is a large market around Azerbaijan, where at least 500 million people live, the products produced by the Czech companies that will operate in the Free Economic Zones can be delivered to Central Asia, the Middle East, and other nearby regions in a short period of time, and with the most reasonable transportation costs. I hope that Czech companies will appreciate such opportunities.

In May, you celebrate the Independence Day of Azerbaijan. What do you wish for our two countries on this occasion?

28th May 1918 is the day when the national statehood of the Azerbaijani people was established. Therefore, May 28th is a solemn day for the people of Azerbaijan. Throughout history, my people have experienced many challenges. From time to time, Azerbaijan was subjected to invasions, and its land was divided, but it always found the strength and courage to stand up and make great sacrifices in order to exist as a nation. By chanting “The flag once raised will never fall”, the Azerbaijani people were finally able to realize their sacred dreams. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, “black forces” also appeared, who wanted to break up the weak Azerbaijan that regained its independence. However, under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of the modern Azerbaijani statehood, the people were able to protect the independence of Azerbaijan, and ensure the integration of the country into the modern world.

Today’s Azerbaijan is very different from yesterday’s. We want to build Azerbaijan for tomorrow, which will be stronger with its potential capabilities, able to benefit the political and economic systems of the world, and be the center of gravity of the region. Those days are not far away.

The destinies of the Czech and Azerbaijani peoples in the 20th century are very similar. Maybe that’s why we understand each other better than other countries and peoples of Europe. We want to see the Czech Republic stronger and more developed, and our friendly Czech people even more prosperous. And, of course, I wish that the solid relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic will last forever.

How to channel your EMOTIONS into a BROOCH

Eva Růžičková, Czech Jewelry Designer

Eva Růžičková designed a brooch and earrings for the Czech First Lady to wear on the presidential inauguration day, on 9th March 2023. The designer believes that contemporary jewellery is an extension of one’s own emotions and free expression of self. Continuing with this theme, she was able to draw from her own emotions, as well as the public’s emotional synergy following Pavel’s election, to design an intimate and personal statement piece.

A new start with a new brooch

To Eva Růžičková, the election of President Petr Pavel signalled a new dawn for the Czech Republic. Breathing a sigh of relief, the contemporary jewellery designer was able to use her expertise in order to channel the nation’s emotional synergy into a brooch for First Lady Eva Pavlová to carry on her chest with pride.

Design has been a method of expression for Růžičková from an early age. In the realm of contemporary jewellery, designers can express their emotions and intentions without limitations or traditional expectations. Růžičková’s unique designs and personal touches have resulted in a successful business career but have also made a great personal impact on customers, observers, and more recently, the nation.

“I wanted to explore the feelings I felt during the election when Petr Pavel was elected, which were happiness and pride. And also, kind of like a breath of fresh air and a new day… Everybody was happy; we have a new president”, Růžičková explained.

She also used Czech national symbols such as the national tree, Linden, which is seen on the banknotes and presidential standard, to remind the world of a fresh start, a nation in bloom under long sought-for leadership. The abstract and contemporary nature of the brooch and matching earrings spoke to the progressive future of the country, and rang true to Růžičková’s personal aspirations.

Contemporary art as a means of free expression

Having the creative freedom to express herself through her design is what ultimately made this inauguration piece a success. Using emotions as inspiration is a key tool for Růžičková’s creative process.

“It’s great to travel for inspiration because I like people, their stories and what they have to say, their

relationships… When I travel, I just discover new cultures, new people, and a new world.”

Jewellery is intimate and expressive, and contemporary jewellery gives her the means to express in abstract ways what some may feel limited by expressing in more traditional styles. Contemporary art has become increasingly more popular in recent years as many are drawn to the depth found in its uniqueness; Růžičková’s art is no different.

Many of her pieces have been exhibited around the world. Most recently, Růžičková’s work was exhibited in Legnica, Poland, at the 31st International Jewellery Competition. This competition for contemporary jewellery allowed designers to exhibit their work, and also learn from one another.

“It’s always good to have a chance to meet people who are doing contemporary jewellery, or listen to professors who are lecturing there.”

Růžičková knew from an early age that she had a creative mind with business ambitions. As a child, she enjoyed designing and creating simple pieces of jewellery, which she then sold for one Czech koruna. She describes this as a prime childhood memory, which eventually paved the way for starting her own jewellery-creating business.

Step by step, building upon small successes

She studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague and at studio K.O.V., a studio at the Academy that specializes in jewellery and small designs. She continued creating jewellery, while also preparing to launch her business from a small table in her house, until the first opportunity arose for her work to be exhibited in Leeda, a fashion brand and boutique in Prague. Růžičková highlights this as the first pivotal moment in her career. The shop belongs to Czech fashion designer Lucie Kutálková, now

Text: Alexa Wandersee and Martina Hošková; Photo: Štěpán Mamula, Tomáš Souček, and archive

a friend of Růžičková, who was the first to take a chance on her.

“I remember that was really nice. I was happy about that because, back then, nobody had their jewellery there. This was the first step, or first point, when people saw my jewellery somewhere.”

Building upon the small successes she was seeing in the gallery, Růžičková took the next step in her career by exhibiting her designs at Designblok, an international design festival in Prague. It was here that she got her first customer and was introduced to other artists. Networking with other contemporary artists and interacting with the media inspired her to see potential in herself, and allowed others to recognize her talent as well.

“After Designblok, I realized that I could start on my own”, Růžičková said.

Experimenting with different materials and mediums has become a personal love of Růžičková’s; the idea that, in her work, she constantly has room to learn and improve.

“This is what I love about making jewellery, that it’s infinite, you can still learn something new.”

Specifically reflecting on her collection titled ‘In Between’, which is a brooch collection made from

several types of wood and incorporating various unique stones, Růžičková describes having the strong feeling that these mediums needed to be used and felt, but did not realize until later what the significance of that was.

“Well, it sounds more poetic than realistic, but I can’t really say why I’m doing that. Sometimes I just recognize the need for it.”

The collection was created before an exhibition called ‘Czech Jewelry Designers Meet NYC’ at the Czech Center in Manhattan, New York. She and two colleagues were presented with the same topic, communication, but the result was three drastically different ideas and products. For Růžičková, the wood and pieces of stones were mementos collected from her time spent travelling through Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

“I was meeting people there, and having intimate stories and memories with them. I used the wood and the stones to express that.”

Preparing a new collection for Designblok

In the near future, Růžičková will be going back to her roots and designing a collection to be exhibited at Designblok in October 2023. For this next collection, she wants to continue drawing from the famous brooch worn by First Lady Eva Pavlová (inspired by

Soul ring, Photo: Tomáš Souček

Eva Růžičková is an alumnus of the UMPRUM studio of K.O.V. in Prague, led by Eva Eisler. During her studies, she underwent an internship at Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle, Germany, at the studio Schmuck of Daniel Kruger. In 2016, her work was chosen for the prestigious show TALENTE in Munich. She also exhibited in Milan, New York, Berlin, and London.

Her studio in Celetná Street, Prague 1, can be visited by prior arrangement. www.evaruzickova.com, info@evaruzickova.com

her own feelings of relief and hope), alongside incorporated aspects from previous collections, for concept and style inspiration.

Růžičková has created a successful career and an admirable reputation for herself through hard work and pure passion. Using her personal experiences as inspiration for design, her jewellery is able to capture her own intentions, as well as the state of the beholder, in abstract, yet eloquent ways. It was no easy path to success. Růžičková encountered many challenges along the way, but her ambitions prevailed as her individuality and talent ultimately set her apart.

“If you are afraid of something, or afraid that you won’t do it perfectly, that is the biggest block. That is what will stop you and it’s a pity… I try to learn from the past and not stress myself out over the work that I love. I know that I always want to do my best.”

Jewelry for Eva Pavlová, Photo: Štěpán Mamula

ANNIVERSARY of the Independence of Argentina

Dear Representatives of the Czech Government, Dear Members of Czech Institutions and Associations, Dear Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear friends of Argentina,

On May 25, the Argentine Republic commemorates 213 years since the beginning of its independence process. Like every year I am very pleased to highlight the thriving bilateral relation between Argentina and the Czech Republic and although Argentina may seem a geographically distant partner, both countries are connected by mutual appreciation and great cooperation. I would like to stress that the values that our societies share, such as freedom, democracy, human rights and peaceful and negotiated conflict resolution, are at the core of our

excellent relations, that also allow us to develop a very active and constructive joint work at the multilateral fora.

But the celebrations of national dates are not only to commemorate the landmarks in our history and an opportunity to appraise our bilateral relations but also a great occasion to thank all of you who, in one way or the other, contribute to the expansion and consolidation of these relations, as well as the thousands of descendants of Czechs living in Argentina who have contributed to our national identity.

To illustrate the links between Argentina and the Czech Republic we have invited as a special guest Professor Dr. Eva Zažímalová, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who will highlight aspects of the bilateral scientific cooperation. After an intermission we also have the performances of the guitar player, Barbora Kubíková, pianist Andrea Mottlová Vavrušová

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Sol Garcia – solgarcia.com

On the occasion of the 213th Anniversary of the Independence of Argentina, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Salafia hosted a special reception at the beautiful Kaunický Palace in Prague city center.

H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia and Professor Dr. Eva Zažímalová, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Here are selected parts of the speech H.E.  Ambassador Roberto Salafia dellivered at the event.

and violoncellists Ivan Vokáč and Václav Žák who will immerse us within the Astor Piazzolla´s music, one of the most beloved composers by the Czech people. As you will see, Science and Music constitute bridges which connect cultures and languages and shorten the distance between our countries. So, please allow me to give first the floor to Professor Zažímalová.

Before my concluding words, I would like to thank some of the people who have helped in making this event: Mr Sebastian Pawlowski, the Palace Kaunický`s administrator, and his assistant Ms. Kateřina Dietzscholdová,

the wine importing companies: Alifea, Piantado Wines, Productos Latinos and Smart Buying Wines, “La Paisanita” catering company under the management of Diego Acosta and Romina del Pino, the travel agency “Pangeo tours” and its Director Klára Šmídlová.

And of course some words in Spanish for my fellow Argentines. It is a poem by Eduardo Mallea that I like to remember when my homesickness, or „ansias o ansiedad“ about my country becomes very intense.

H.E. Mr. Roberto Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Mrs. Suzuki and H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan

From left: Mrs. María Verónica Skerianz, Attaché, Ms. Laura Beatriz Fracassa, Second Secretary - Consular Affairs, Mr. Facundo D. Herrera, Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Václav Klaus, former President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Mrs. Livia Klausová, former First Lady of the Czech Republic

Mrs. Lauren Regan Sabet and H.E. Mr. Bijan Joseph Sabet, Ambassador of USA tasting empanadas

From left: H.E. Mr. Mauro Marsili, Ambassador of the Italian Republic and his spouse, Mrs. Carla Papadia, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Mrs. Svetlana Codreanu, spouse of the Ambassador of Moldova and H.E. Mr. Alexandru Codreanu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, Mrs. Salomé De Almeida Sampaio and H.E. Mr. Luís De Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal, Mrs. Atsuko Suzuki, spouse of the Ambassador of Japan, Mrs. Rim Vitar, Mrs. Martina Field-Klisović, and H.E. Mr. Matthew Robert Field, Ambassador of the United Kingdom

From top left: Mrs. María Hájková, Ms. Laura B. Fracassa, Mr. Facundo D. Herrera, Ms. Dagmar Hůlová, Ms. Dagmar Štěpánová, Ms. Eva Chmelíková, Ms. Monika Ševčíková

From bottom left: Mrs. María Verónica Skerianz, Mr. José Oscar Acosta, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Mr. José Luis Pascuali, Mr. Carlos Espinoza

From left: Ms. Barbora Kubíková, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Ms. Andrea Mottlová Vavrušová, and Mr. Ivan Vokáč

If I had to choose a thousand times, a thousand times I would choose to be born again on the shores of my land, to grow among its rivers, to listen the sweet whisper of its slow growth.

If a thousand times I had to choose, a thousand times I would choose to listen to the ways of its voice, to see the nuances of its faces, to continue to be moved by the flight of its birds.

If a thousand times I had to choose, a thousand times I would take from me the songs that within its silence its different causes in me arise.

If I had to choose a thousand times, a thousand times I would lower my face to the ground to distinguish in a patient beat, the eternal native sound of its generations.

If I had to choose a thousand times, a thousand times I would choose the multiple fortune of being a thousand times Argentine.

From left: H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, Ms. Barbora Kubíková, Mr. Václav Žák

Mr. Václav Klaus, former President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina

Friends of Argentina

The translation of the poem by Eduardo Mallea (1904-1982)

Discussion with the Czech Minister of Transport, Hon Martin Kupka

The Prague Society for International Cooperation organised a Public Policy Discussion with the Czech Minister of Transport, Hon Martin Kupka. The event took place under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, at his residence.

In the picture are (not in order): H.E. Mr. Daan Huisinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands, Hon. Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Hemant Harishchandra Kotalwar, Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Pasi Olavi Tuominen, Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Ronneberg, Ambassador of Norway, Mr. Samer Al-Attabi, Counselor - Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Philippe Gérald Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Mr. Alberto Moreno Humet, Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Mr. Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal, Marc Ellenbogen, President of the Prague Society, Michael Stimson, Vice President of the Prague Society, Hon. Stefan Fule, former EU Commissioner, Mr. Gabriel Vidot, Czech Army, Mr. Roger Johnson, VP of Republicans Overseas - Europe, Meshulam Zisso, Owner and Executive Editor of the Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine, Jakub Hladík, former Personal Secretary of President Václav Havel, Mr. Omar Abukhlal, Wealth Manager at Primestone Partners, Ivan Chvatík, former Dissident, Philosopher & Scientist, Mrs. Sabe Soe, Director of Burma Center Prague, Mrs. Blanka Bednářová, Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Markéta Richterová, Senior Assistant to the Dutch Ambassador

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: archive

The discussion centred on transport sector strategies to ensure efficient and sustainable transportation systems that support economic development, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. This included electric vehicles, high speed trains, road and rail infrastructure and even space and satellite systems. Examples were taken from other countries on implementation and funding of similar projects.

The Prague Society grew out of the dissident movement fighting communist regimes, and finally became a registered NGO in 1997 during the Presidency of Václav Havel.

Its main aims are to promote international cooperation in Central Europe by showing leadership against corruption and abuse.

The Prague Society creates and maintains a network of businessmen, diplomats, politicians and academics, who contribute to important policy issues. It organizes off-the-record discussions which allow decision makers to influence and act upon one another’s thinking and endeavours to bring about a new generation of leaders and – most importantly – to give a voice to the unheard.

The Global Panel Foundation was founded in the Netherlands in 1989 by Bas Spuybroek and Frans Lurvink, with the support of Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek.

It is known for its work – behind the scenes – in conflict zones around the world. Long before it was politically correct, the Global Panel was supporting Cuban dissidents and other political economic initiatives.

The Global Panel is a respected institution which takes no government funding thereby avoiding conflicts of interest and potential manipulation.

Ahoj Arménie/ Ողջույն

Հայաստան,

Բարև Չեխիա

/Hi Armenia

The cooperation between the national libraries of the Czech Republic and Armenia started over a decade ago. It is well on track, and has entered a new stage of development on 4th April this year, when an exhibition called “Hi Armenia” opened at Prague Klementinum.

Special thank you to Ph.D. Anna Chulyan, Director of the National Library of Armenia and Mgr. Tomáš Foltýn, General Manager of the National Library of the Czech Republic

New and forgotten bridges, re-discovered

The exhibition was organised by the National Library of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the Czech Republic, in order to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Within the current realities, it signifies a new turn in diplomatic relations. It is the fruit of cultural diplomacy that, by its notion, bounds cultures across the seas, builds bridges between unrelated cultures, and even transcends politics, while facilitating cooperation and partnership. The libraries’ close partnership traces back to 2011, and in 2013, a cooperation agreement was signed: the libraries prepared lists of books of mutual interest from their collections to share with one another. This resulted in the discovery of fascinating old printed books on Armenian culture in the holdings of the

National Library of the Czech Republic, such as the rare Patmut‘iwn Hayoc (History of the Armenians) by Movses Xorenac‘i, printed in Amsterdam in 1695. Furthermore, the National Library of Armenia (NLA) joined the Manuscriptorium Digital Library, operated by its Czech partner. It not only contains 500 bibliographic records of Armenian old printed books, but also virtually represents the first Armenian book Urbatagirk, printed in Venice by Hakob Meghapart in 1512.

Czech literature can also be found in the NLA collection, represented by the World Literature at NLA database, which is regularly replenished. There are also Czech translations of Armenian writers’ works such as Bakunts, Charents, and Sevak, as well as exophonic foreign writers William Saroyan and Varuzhan Voskanyan.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: E. Hodíková

Continuing the strengthening of mutual experiences

In 2014, the National Library of Armenia organized an exhibition dedicated to the Czech Republic’s Independence Day, and received a great response. Moreover, back in 1978, the Yerevan City Library Branch #33 was named after the Czech Armenologist Lyudmila Motalova, for her significant contribution to Armenology.

A unique exhibition titled “The Art of Armenian Book through the Ages” took place in October 2016, which strengthened the libraries’ mutual experience. The exhibition highlighted the intercultural relations between the two nations and countries, e.g. from the Czech side, the book Hrůzy východu written by Karel Hansa (1923) and the novel The Forty Days of

Musa Dagh by the Prague writer Franz Werfel (1933) were exhibited. Both books awaken the world to the evidence of the persecution and genocide inflicted on the Armenian nation during World War I. The display included over 70 exhibits: unique samples of early printed Armenian books, Armenian editions of modern Czech literature, and Armenian writers’ works in the Czech language. A joint illustrated catalogue of the exhibition was also published. During reciprocal visits in partner libraries, special seminars were organized for librarians in both countries where they could receive more information about the work done, especially in the areas of digital access to documentary heritage, implementation of integrated library systems, and (not only) the running of projects and research activities.

Celebrating NORDIC-BALTIC NATIONAL DAYS together

The countries of Nordic and Baltic regions - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden - hold their yearly joint National Days celebration together. Prague is the only place where this celebration has been arranged for many years. We fully agree with Ambassadors when they say that „our strength thrives not only on our economies and our alliances but above all on our values. Solidarity, justice, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms form the foundation of our societies. It works both inwards and outwards.“ We all stand for Ukraine together as great allies and partners.

Here are selected sections of speeches at the event:

LITHUANIA H.E. Mr. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša

Mr. President of the Senate, Respected Guest of Honor, Madam Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Excellencies, colleagues, distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries and Ukraine, we warmly welcome you to this joint celebration of our national days, already taking place for the sixteenth time. Prague is the only place in the world where such a demonstration of our solidarity is present. We would like to thank you all for your friendship and cooperation.

SWEDEN H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen

It’s been over a year since Russia has waged its brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine. As a gesture of our firm solidarity, we again have invited Ukraine to be part of our team tonight. The NordicBaltic region is a region committed to peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law –the values that Ukraine so bravely is fighting for. And we really appreciate that the Czech Republic is such a strong champion for these values.

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Nikola Ramešová

From left: Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate, Ms. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, H.E. Mr. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša, Ambassador of Lithuania, H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms. Gita Kalmet, Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Soren Kelstrup, Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Mr. Pasi Tuominen, Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Ronneberg, Ambassador of Norway, H.E. Ms. Gunta Pastore, Ambassador of Latvia, H.E. Ms. Maria Erla Marelsdottir, Ambassador of Iceland, Mr. Vitalij Usatyj, Charge d’affaires of Ukraine

The war has brought massive damage and cost thousands of lives. But it also reignited our sense of unity and shared responsibility. In supporting Ukraine, we stand together and will stand together, as long as it takes. We are happy that Ukraine, along with Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina, finally received candidate status for EU membership. And we look forward to the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, where Finland and, hopefully, Sweden will be welcomed as NATO members. The summit in Vilnius will also be a critical moment to decide our next steps regarding Ukraine.

The Czech Republic has been supporting Ukraine since Day One. On several occasions, President Pavel has mentioned the ‘rediscovered self-esteem and leadership’ of Central and Eastern Europe in these new and challenging geopolitical circumstances. We, the Nordic and Baltic countries and Ukraine, share this point of view. The Czech Republic has shown remarkable leadership during its presidency of the EU, and it could further promote initiatives connecting Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe more firmly together.

Ms. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies delivering her speech

A toast to the future

ESTONIA

H.E. Ms. Gita Kalmet

DENMARK

H.E. Mr. Søren Kelstrup

FINLAND

Together, the nations on this dais represent an economy worth 2.5 trillion euros. Our trade and production will expand even further as Ukraine embarks on the path of post-war reconstruction. It is our shared interest that the recovery and reconstruction process is inclusive and based on the highest standard of technology, innovation, management, and transparency. Being inherent to the Nordic-Baltic way of life, this approach will continue to underlie our cooperation with Czechia, in search of the best solutions for Ukraine.

NORWAY

Our strength thrives not only on our economies and our alliances but above all on our values. Solidarity, justice, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms form the foundation of our societies. It works both inwards and outwards. We fully support the activities of international institutions, including the International Criminal Court and the Council of Europe. We also focus on advancing gender equality, equal pay, and equal access to healthcare and jobs – including here in the Czech Republic. The huge interest of various local agencies and NGOs to partner with us on these topics is highly rewarding.

From left: Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate, Ms. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, H.E. Mr. Søren Kelstrup, Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Ms. Gita Kalmet, Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden

Finland Embassy team Norway Embassy team

H.E. Mr. Pasi Tuominen

H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Rønneberg

LATVIA

The Czech Republic marks its thirtieth anniversary this year. It has proven a reliable international partner, a successful economy, a well-functioning democratic society. We applaud all these accomplishments. And most recently, the Czech people demonstrated unparalleled compassion by opening their homes to over half a million of war refugees from Ukraine. We admire this ‘human-centric’ nerve of the Czech nation. We believe it could serve the construction and development of future policies in Europe.

Mr. Vitalij Usatyj

Every noble deed has a face and a name behind it. We witness this every day in the battlefields of Ukraine and the diplomatic battlefields worldwide. I wanted to thank our Nordic-Baltic friends for inviting me to the Joint Nordic-Baltic National Day celebration, especially as this invitation comes as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine. At the same time, I would like to extend our special gratitude to our host country – the Czech Republic, which provides Ukraine with invaluable military, political, economic, and humanitarian aid. With great pleasure, I would like to invite Madam Pekarová-Adamová to address us.

ICELAND

H.E. Ms. Maria Erla Marelsdottir

With renewed leadership and reclaimed self-esteem, the Czech Republic is launching a vast set of reforms to make Czechia safer, cleaner, more prosperous, and resilient. Rest assured: the Nordic-Baltic nations will support you in this endeavor. And we all, from Iceland to Ukraine, wish you the best of success, since your success will be the success of the whole of Europe.

Sweden Embassy team

Iceland Embassy team

Latvia Embassy team

H.E. Ms. Gunta Pastore

UKRAINE

Ms. Markéta Pekarová Adamová - Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies

Miloš Vystrčil - President of the Senate, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

In the beginning, I would like to thank you all for coming. It is my honor to be here together with you. Your countries have definitely much more in common than the two seas that connect your shores. All your countries are home to hard working and inspiring people. All your countries have traditionally cherished their freedom and independence.

Also, they have never hesitated to raise their arms and pay the highest price to defend their freedom. More recently your, all your countries have been very active globally in promoting the values of freedom and democracy.

But what is very important to me as well – all your countries have been very close friends and allies of the Czech Republic.

During my term as the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, I had the chance to meet with most of the speakers of your countries’ parliaments – with some of them on several occasions. With all of them, we are in agreement on the major issues that Europe is currently facing - being it the Russian aggression and the resolve to support Ukraine until the victory; the belief in free trade; or the necessity to enhance the Transatlantic cooperation.

Our country, as a member of the European Union and NATO, follows with delight the recent development, when

Finland became a member of the Alliance. Hopefully, others will follow soon.

Even the European Union is open for new members! –please report this to Oslo, Mr. Ambassador. In this context, I am glad that we have here tonight a special guest, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine!

Ukraine has proven that it is an integral part of the European family and that it has a full right to enter the European Union. It will soon be a year since the EU granted the candidate status to Ukraine (and Moldova) and I hope that the accession talks will start as soon as possible. Ukraine also needs a clear perspective to join NATO. All alternatives would have long-term negative impact on the European security.

Let me conclude by expressing my gratitude to all your embassies for promoting the bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and your respective countries and thank you for organizing this reception. Congratulations to you all!

Tillykke!

Onnittelut!

Grattis!

Gratulerer!

Palju õnne!

Apsveicu!

Sveikinu!

Vitaju!

Thank you all for coming and have a great evening.

From right: H.E. Ms. Gunta Pastore, Ambassador of Latvia, H.E. Ms. Maria Erla Marelsdottir, Ambassador of Iceland, H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Ms. Gita Kalmet, Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Søren Kelstrup, Ambassador of Denmark, Ms. Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, H.E. Mr. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša, Ambassador of Lithuania, Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate, H.E. Mr. Pasi Tuominen, Ambassador of Finland, Mr. Vitalij Usatyj, Chargé d’affaires of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Victor Conrad Rønneberg, Ambassador of Norway

Lithuania Embassy team

Estonia Embassy team

Denmark Embassy team

Thailand is not only Bangkok

Text: M. Zisso, Photo: Václav Pavlas

It’s not a big secret that I love Thailand. I have visited this beautiful country several times, and have explored its beauty from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north to Phuket and the islands in the south. This time, we decided to have a more active holiday, at places we hadn’t yet visited. Let me share some of my freshest Thai experiences here, and who knows? It might even inspire you to pay a visit to some of the lovely places I am about to recall now.

Day 1 – suits, culture, and a big surprise

Our flights were on time. We landed in Bangkok at 1pm. Everything at the airport went smoothly. After about 45 minutes, we were in the taxi we had ordered in advance via booking.com.

Our hotel in Bangkok was a small, nice hotel close to Silom Road. We had a few hours for arrangements: exchanging money at “superrich” (Jewellery Trade Centre, 3rd floor) and finding a good fit-made suits tailor.

There are dozens of tailor’s shops around. Popping up from shop to shop, the prices and the quality vary. We chose our tailor at Silom Road, after a short time. We had the feeling that he was the best, and that we could trust him. “Carlos Bespoke”, Silom Road 284\6. If you want to get perfect suits, then don’t wait until the last moment. They can make it in 24 hours, but it’s better to make it sooner in order to have time for several fittings. We ordered three handmade suits. For that price, in Prague, you can only buy one suit of the same quality. We picked up the suits on our last day in Bangkok.

We missed Thai culture, so late in the afternoon of the same day we saw Saranrom Park, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan and Wat Rajapradit Sathitmahasimarama.

The evening came, which was time for our first Thai dinner. Just a few steps from our hotel, was a BIG surprise. A hidden family restaurant, established by three sisters who wanted to share their home recipes. They’ve been running the restaurant for 30 years.

Harmonique Restaurant, no. 22 Charoenkrung 34 Wat Muang Kae, Bangkok. Open daily from 11am until about 8pm. Like other customers, we fell in love with the food, which was rich with herbs and spices, the atmosphere, and the service. The design is unique, under the roots of a big old tree.

Khao Yai National Park is the third largest in Thailand. It is important at the global and ASEAN level, being one of the Natural World Heritage Sites. It is home to several important watersheds of rich biological diversity, where many important, rare, and endangered species live. This includes over 280 species of birds, making it popular with bird watchers from around the world.

Our tour guide, Mr. Beer, was an expert who knew all the hidden points to see those birds and animals, and who also had the specialized equipment for it. We saw the Great Hornbill birds, a few kinds of monkeys, gibbons, and other tropical wildlife.

Day 2 – in the good hands of Mr. Beer

On the second day, we woke up very early to reach the Khao Yai National Park (about a 3-hour drive from Bangkok). Thanks to H.E. Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, a former Ambassador in Prague (now Director General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency), we got in contact with a very good and reliable tour operator that helped us with all of our transportation in Thailand - www.trekkingthailandtour.com. They have a love and passion for nature, wildlife, and the beauty of the colourful Thai local ways of life, as well as being experienced tour guides, specialized in each branch of nature. We were in good hands to ensure that our trip would go smoothly.

After a full day of adventuring, we arrived back to Bangkok, tired but very excited and happy.

Harmonique Restaurant

Trekking Thailand Tour team

Day 3 – Bangkok

The 3rd day was dedicated to seeing Bangkok. We visited a few of those highlighted places from our previous visits, but also felt the need to experience more similarly beautiful places.

For the first time ever, we decided to use public transportation, and take bus number 1 (10 Bahts per person) from our hotel to the Grand Palace, about a 15-minute ride away (remember to be dressed properly –long trousers and a shirt with sleeves). It’s one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Take your time to explore every building and temple that is open to the public.

and then to the National Museum, which is about a 15-minute walk away. On the way, we stopped at a few beautiful temples.

After a day of exploring, we went back to our hotel, and then for dinner to have more tasty food at the hidden restaurant under the tree roots.

From the Grand Palace, we went to Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho),

Day 4 - Ayutthaya

A car with a driver from Trekking Thailand tour picked us up at our hotel, and we left the capital city of Bangkok for the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. We booked a beautiful Thai villa room at “Athithara Homestay”, a place run by the family that gives you a feeling of a homestay.

1. Wat Lokaya Sutharam, with a huge reclining Buddha

2. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (the temple with a huge number of Buddhas), Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan and Wat Chaiwatthanaram (the huge river temple complex), and Wat Kasattrathirat

3. Srinagarindra Park goes to Ayutthaya Historical Park, including four temples: Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Ratchaburana. Wat Phra Ram - a temple complex with a huge prang, next to it is Wat Phra Si Sanphet - a temple with the three Chedis, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal, then Wat Mahathata temple with the Buddha head in a tree, and Wat Ratchaburana - the temple with a prang

4. Wat Maha That

5. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

6. Wat Thammikarat, with lion figures around a chedi. A huge number of roosters.

When you look at the pictures, you will see how we toured the city. However, the best way to see Ayutthaya, Thailand’s old capital, is by Tuk Tuk. The payment is per hour, driving you from site to site around this big area:

First, we went to visit the Bang Pa-in Palace (about a 20-minute drive).

Our accommodation was nicely located only a 5-minute walk from a very nice Thai food restaurant with live music, De Riva Ayothaya.

Day 5 – Thai waters

Our driver arrived on time to take us (about a 3-hour drive) to the Erawan National Park, one of the most popular falls in Thailand. The major attraction of the park is the 7-tiered Erawan Falls, with emerald-green ponds. The trail from level 1 to level 4 is pretty easy. There are also several impressive and long caves within the park, some of them deeper inside the park, and a few of them along the roads around the park. The park and the falls are named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. The top tier of the falls is said to resemble an elephant head. You can enjoy yourself there for a full day.

Late in the afternoon, we set off on our way to the next very special hotel at Kwai River.

There are a few hotels on the Kwai River. We chose the “River Kwai Jungle Rafts – SHA Extra Plus”, H/B (there are more luxury hotels there). You can only reach the hotel by boat, operated every hour.

It’s a very “natural” hotel, without electricity, air conditioning, or even a fan, and with no mobile signal or WIFI. The accommodation is on the river, with a nice terrace and a great view. The main attraction is natural water sliding on the river - HUGE FUN.

During the evening and the night, the hotel is laminated with candles and old kerosene lanterns.

Day 6 – more water

A full day of activities and relaxing at the Kwai River. We started our morning by feeding the rescue elephant, and then having a nice breakfast.

Day 7 – floating in daylight, flying at sunset

We took the 8am boat, and joined our driver again. After about 2 hours, we quickly visited Hin Khao Ngu Park, and a religious monument regarding Buddhism.

We then continued to our next hotel, Maikaew Damnoen Resort, a charming Thai-style hotel.

A short walking distance from the hotel is the Damneon Saduak Floating Market. The best time to visit is in the morning – at about 4pm most of the shops are in the process of closing for the day. Take a boat on the channels, do some shopping, and enjoy Thai food at the local restaurants.

Just before sunset, we went to visit Wat Khao Chong Phran, and it was a big surprise for me. Millions of bats fly from the cave to find food. We were there for over an hour, and they still kept on leaving the cave, making the sky black.

Day 8 – among life-risking vendors

From one very special Floating Market to another unique one, the Mae Klong Train Market, commonly called Siang Tai (life-risking) Market. It is considered one of the most amazing attractions in Thailand. Perhaps you remember it from one of the James Bond movies. Spreading over 100m in length, this market is located by the railway, near Mae Klong Railway Station. It is a common fresh market, selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, fresh and dried food, meats, and other miscellaneous goods. The market is called the ‘liferisking’ market because its stalls are attached to the Mae Klong-Ban Laem railway, which is a short railway line running to and from Mahachai and Mae Klong.

Vendors at the market put out parasols or canvases to protect themselves against the sun. The shelters stick into the railway, where visitors walk and do their shopping. When each signal of the arriving train rings, chaos takes place: vendors will rush to close their parasols and canvases, along with clearing all goods that will obstruct the oncoming train, arriving at great speed. Once the train passes, the parasols and canvases will be reopened as goods are again put into

their usual place next to the railroad. Trains arrive at Mae Klong Station at 8:30am, 11:10am, and 5:40pm.

After a short drive, we reached Tham Khao Luang – a cave temple with beautiful numerous Buddha shrines, and with monkeys living there. And Wat Bun Tawee (Wat Tumklaeb).

We then headed to visit a panoramic place over the city Phra Nakhon Khiri. Locals know the place as Khao Wang, the hill with a palace. We went up in

a cable car to the complex, built by King Mongkut as a summer palace.

And Wat Khoi, and Wat Mahathat Worawihan, and Wat Khao Ban Dai It…

We had our dinner at a very nice American-style restaurant, with good Thai food.

Day 9 – do you like birds?

We start our 9th day by visiting Pran Buri Forest Park, a small mangrove forest park popular for its mangrove forest walk and birds.

We then went to the Sirinart Rajini Ecosystem Learning Centre, followed by Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The park is home to a great diversity of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers. It is one of the best places in Thailand to see waterbirds, as well as the Phraya Nakhon Cave. A small boat took us from the park to the other side of the mountain. To reach the cave, you need to climb about 500m. It’s worth the effort. It’s a large cave, which has a hole in the ceiling, allowing sunlight to penetrate. At the top of the hole, there is a stone bridge known as a „death bridge“ because many wild animals have fallen to their deaths from it. You can also find a beautiful temple there.

Then, it was off to our last destination before calling it a day, Kui Buri National Park. This is home to one of the biggest populations of gaurs (a massive wild ox) in Thailand, with an estimated 100 individuals and around 320 elephants. The tour takes about 3 hours, and you can see wild elephants, as well as golden jackals, various deer, langurs, white-handed gibbons, Burmese hares, Malayan porcupines, and wild boars.

The last days of the fairy tale

After a few hours of driving, we arrived at our last destination, to relax in for a few days before going back home to cold Europe – Coral Hotel Bangsaphan.

It is an ECO 3-star hotel (like 4 stars in Europe) located on the beach, with luxury accommodation, a swimming pool, and an a la carte restaurant.

I’d planned four days of relaxing and just enjoying the quiet, but they offered a few half-day excursions that we just couldn’t resist. We explored the area close to the Burmese border, and saw how rubber is made from the rubber tree.

The day after, we took a water trip, visiting three islands - Koh Tin, Koh Tan, and Koh Thalu. A great opportunity to snorkel on this beautiful bay, with all kinds of fish and corals.

After two more days of relaxing, we headed back to Bangkok to pick up our handmade suits from the tailor,

PROVEN TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

Visa

Check in advance if you need a visa or e-visa (https://www. thaievisa.go.th/). Not all passports have the same benefits, not even all EU countries. If you need a visa, arrange it in advance at the Thai Embassy. If you can get an e-visa on arrival, find the form and print it out. Have some ID photos and Thai Bahts with you.

Flights

There are no direct flights from Prague to Bangkok. There are, however, many ways to get there. We flew with Emirates via Dubai.

Driving

In Thailand, you drive on the opposite side of the road (like in the UK). We got a car with a driver from a reliable company.

Dress Code

To enter temples and palaces you need to wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves.

and enjoy a great dinner. Before heading to our evening flight back, we took our last tour in Bangkok for this visit: the Chinese Quarter, and the Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, with the golden Buddha.

Exchanging Money

Don’t do it at the airport (only a small amount if you need it). The best places for exchanging money in Bangkok are probably “Superrich”. We got 5 more Bahts per Euro. It’s best to bring large Euro or Dollar notes (50 or 100).

Carlos, the tailor

Goodbye, Thailand! You were good to us, and we will come back.