Issue 03/2022

A true media professional has only one master –the reader

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Eva Anderová & Meshulam Zisso Owners & Executive Editors

Petra Kubernátová Webmaster

Martina Hošková Edit & Translation

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Czech & Slovak Leaders

Olgy Havlové 2914\52

130 00 Žižkov - Prague 3 email : info@czechleaders. com www.czechleaders.com

Licence: MK ČR E 13147

Dear readers, friends, and partners,

The end of summer provides us with its tender sun rays to softly prepare us for the upcoming autumn days, and enable our vacation memories to be stored for fall time.

We hope you have had a great summer, and have greatly enjoyed your holidays.

Let us keep you company during the days when the light hours become shorter, and the calm evenings are perfect for reading. When you enjoy taking time for yourself. And let us provide you with the fascinating content of our fall issue. We were very pleased to interview ambassadors, to celebrate the national days of their homeland, get a sense of their closeness to our country – and, of course, to bring it all into your home.

You might also enjoy the interviews with other personalities, each standing out in their own exceptional way in their jobs, and being recognized for the quality they bring to everyday life.

Some of the events we have featured represent the highlights among the social events, shared for your interest and attention.

We hope that you enjoy this issue. We will strive to bring you more interesting topics in our December issue, and already look forward to your feedback!

We can achieve our important mission with your support by publishing your advertisements with us.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Respectfully and with best wishes, Eva & Meshulam

Owners and Executive Editors eva.anderova@czechleaders.com meshzisso@czechleaders.com

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 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.

5

EU presidency

Interview with Michal Šalomoun, Minister of Legislation of the Czech Republic

We have to adopt dozens of European directives – swiftly

11 Prague Sounds presents: The concert for Europe

19 You are the drivers of democratic change

72 The heads of the Parliament of the Czech Republic held talks in Prague with the President of the European Parliament

events

27 The 100th anniversary of Mexico-Czechia diplomatic relations

36 On the occasion of the Slovenian Statehood Day, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception

41 Mucha: The Family Collection at the Waldstein Riding Hall of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

61 National Day of Vietnam

68 President of Israel Isaac Herzog´s visit to Prague

77 Taiwan must remain an island of freedom

82 ASEAN Day

89 Celebrating with Turkey

95 How was the International Trebbia Award created?

interviews

8

Interview with H.E. Mr. Tae-jin Kim, Ambassador of South Korea

I fell in love with Prague at first sight

29 Interview with Arnošt Barna, Managing Director of Kia Czech

The future will be manifold

32 Interview with H.E. Mr. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland

There is not even a single “irritant” in our bilateral relations

38 Interview with H.E. Mr. Shahzad Gul Aryobee, Ambassador of Afghanistan

I represent the people of Afghanistan in a difficult time

44 Interview with H.E. Mrs. Ayesha P. Rekhi, Ambassador of Canada

Diverse perspectives and diverse networks are key to finding innovative, durable solutions to global problems

47 Interview with Veselin Vačkov, Managing Editor, Lidové noviny

A true media professional has only one master – the reader

50 Interview with H.E. Mr. Alexandru Codreanu, Ambassador of Moldova

Moldova is a European country with European values

54 Interview with Luboš Drobík, Owner and President of the Prague Business Club

We can handle everything because we stick together

58 Interview with H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung, Ambassador of Vietnam

Hard-working Vietnamese people integrate ever more successfully

63 Interview with H.E. Mr. Ashot Hovakimian, Ambassador of Armenia

Diplomacy is irreplaceable for building an understanding among peoples

70 Interview with H.E. Mrs. Sônia Regina Guimarães Gomes, Ambassador of Brazil

12

Interview with Daniel Nývlt, Head of the Czech Antarctic Research Programme

Antarctica – A continent devoted to peace and science

Brazilian history is permeated by important Czech figures

74

16

Interview with H.E. Mrs. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of Morocco

My nomination to your country is a big privilege

20 Interview with Markéta Fassati, Soprano and Multi-Genre Singer

The beauty of human aging

24 Interview with H.E. Mrs. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

We are proud to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations

Interview with H.E. Mr. Sashko Todorovski, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia

Czech people have a long historical memory

79 Interview with H.E. Mrs. Kenssy Dwi Ekaningsih, Ambassador of Indonesia

Our countries have different charms

84 Interview with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Ambassador of Pakistan

Pakistan offers huge possibilities for investments

91 Interview with Ivo Nahálka, Archina Design Studio Prague

A hotel tests your skills until the last minute

We have to adopt dozens of European directives

– swiftly

Governments do not usually start from scratch, since a “gift” in the form of a list of inherited pressing problems awaits them in office, left behind by their predecessors. The same applies to the Minister of Legislation, Michal Šalomoun, who is now tackling the issue of European directives not being implemented into Czech law by the set deadline. Why is this problem so alarming, you may ask? As it is so often, the answer can be answered with only one word - money. Or, as the minister explains in more detail: “If we do nothing, it may cost the Czech Republic several hundred million to two billion CZK in fines.”

You are expressing some deep concerns about the situation regarding unimplemented European direc tives. What exactly makes you so worried?

The bad news is that right now there are a total of 19 proceedings led against the Czech Republic because of the delay in the implementation of European directives.

The Czech Republic is thus threatened with significant financial sanctions, and they can come very quickly. In the worst-case scenario - i.e. if we took it easy and did nothing at all - it could cost the Czech Republic several hundred million to two billion CZK.

The good news, however, is that thanks to my pressure as the Minister of Legislation we are now slowly managing to solve this inherited problem and are reducing the number of unimplemented directives for which the deadline for adoption into Czech legislation has passed.

What, in your opinion, is the cause of this problem? And how are you going to solve it?

The situation has developed due to the lax approach of the former government, and this applies especially to the ANO movement. In this regard, I informed my colleagues in the government about this alarming situation back in May. I also considered it necessary to draw attention to this situation on the floor of the Chamber of Deputies as the approval of laws, for which the European Commission had already initiated proceedings for non-compliance, was delayed due to the obstructions of opposition MPs.

The following numbers show just how much we have been delayed. In 2019 we were behind the deadline to implement 6 European directives, whereas today that number has increased to 36. The delay in the implemen tation of European directives usually leads to proceedings for non-fulfilment of obligations arising from EU law, which the European Commission initiates in a very short time after the expiry of the set transposition period.

Now, we are already managing to reduce the threat of being sanctioned, thanks to the fact that things have star ted moving after I sent a request to individual ministers to speed up the process at the end of last year. In my recent appearance in the Chamber of Deputies I also appealed to opposition MPs to not take unnecessary breaks and not block parliamentary proceedings, which also helped.

Thirty six directives behind schedule sounds like a serious delay. How is it even possible?

There are two explanations. Firstly, some draft bills imple menting European directives have been written, and have even reached the Chamber of Deputies, but the former government presented them late so they were dismissed at the end of the previous parliamentary term and had to be presented again.

Secondly, in some departments nobody lifted a finger for several years. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Transport, i.e. the ones led by the double minister Karel Havlíček, are the worst in this regard. As of March 31, 2022, there were 11 unresolved directives in these departments out of a total of 22, for which the transposition deadline had already passed. This situation needed to be rectified, and I am glad that it has begun to gradually improve.

There is a very common argument against adopting all the EU directives, saying that European directives are “dictated to us by someone from Brussels and all we have to do is to obediently accept them”. I would like to explain one crucial thing about this notion. The truth is that, from the very beginning, Czech officials have the opportunity to participate in preparing these di rectives. We are always involved in their creation from the very beginning, and it is up to us to make compromises that reflect our interests.

In order to implement European directives on time in the future, it is essential that the involved ministries will consistently observe the deadlines for submitting draft bills to the intergovernmental review procedure, according to the guidelines resulting from our country‘s membership in the EU.

Where do you see your role as the Minister of Legis lation during the Czech presidency of the EU Coun cil? Will our presidency focus mainly on the situation in Ukraine?

Yes, the Czech presidency will be centred around the events in Ukraine. It will be essential to unify a common procedure to bring the perpetrators of war crimes before the International Criminal Court and to secure evidence of war crimes committed in Ukraine.

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

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAL ŠALOMOUN, MINISTER OF LEGISLATION OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

By the same token it will be necessary to focus on both international and domestic sanctions and asset freezing. Recently, our government sent two draft bills concerning sanctions to the Chamber of Deputies, including the Czech version of the Magnitsky Act, which would allow us to adopt domestic sanctions. Our goal is to get them through the legislative process as soon as possible. In connection with these laws, the Czech Presidency will also deal with the possibility of including the evasion of European sanctions among the criminal offenses in the EU. Furthermore, during the presidency we will also address the criminal aspects of damaging the environment, and

will try to make progress in the negotiations about the EU‘s accession as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights.

My role as the Minister for Legislation and as the Chairman of the Legislative Council of the Government lies, among other things, in monitoring the quality of submitted legislative proposals, which is more of a national matter. However, my competences also have a European dimension to a certain extent. My task is to ensure that the proposals that arise during our presidency are then properly and timely incorporated into our legal system.

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAL ŠALOMOUN, MINISTER OF LEGISLATION OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

I fell in love with Prague at first sight

The capital city of Korea, Seoul, is the fifth biggest metropolis in the world, with a population roughly the same size as the entire Czech Republic. The experience of living in Prague must be very different, and the Korean Ambassador Mr. Tae-jin Kim explains that for him it was love at first sight. Why does he consider his posting in our country the biggest adventure of his career? What will happen to the Korean Embassy in Prague this September? And did you know that Korea is the third largest investor in our country?

Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

I can describe myself as a career diplomat, with a little over 30 years of experience. I have also studied international relations for my Bachelor’s and Masters degrees, so I may say that I have devoted quite a portion of my life to this profession.

But, more importantly, I am a proud father of two en gineers, and a happy husband celebrating 30 years of marriage this year.

You have been in Prague for almost three years. What are your impressions of it?

I arrived in Prague in late 2019. My first impression of Prague can be explained as ‘friendly’ and ‘mesmerizing.’

At Prague airport, where you take your first steps into the Czech Republic, the signs are written in four languages: Czech, English, Russian, and Korean. This representative case shows how close and connected we are.

Besides, as every Korean would feel, I also fell in love with Prague at first sight. I especially love the view of Prague Castle from the waterfront of the Vltava River.

I think it has the most exotic and beautiful scenery in the entirety of Europe. It differs by the season, time, and atmosphere, making it always refreshing and exciting to visit.

Does being an ambassador fit your personal lifestyle?

I would not say I am a naturally born ambassador because I am not really an extroverted person. However, my counterparts and fellow ambassadors have made my job much easier and more enjoyable. Czech officials tend to be very open-minded and pragmatic. They are keen on discussions and meetings, a fundamental business in diplomacy. Meanwhile, we have such friendly international diplomatic corps representing our country. The ambassadors gather regularly, and we always share information as transparently as possible. I learned a lot from my fellow Korean ambassadors, who have experience (serving) in other European countries. Moreover, the close partnership between Korea and the Czech Republic makes my ambassadorship relentless. The two countries celebrated 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2020, but their relationship is really intense and broad considering the rather short time span. Last but not least,

I must admit that being an ambassador of a favoured nation helps too.

You have been serving your country for 30 years. What has been your biggest adventure so far? Before being appointed as the Ambassador to the Czech Republic, I was the Director-General for North American affairs, where I dealt with one of the most crucial tasks of Korean diplomacy. Previously, I was posted to the USA, Indonesia, Japan, and Afghanistan – which all had great adventures.

However, I see the Czech Republic as my best and most incredible adventure so far in my diplomatic life. Let me explain the reasons. First, because this is the first time I have served in a country as an ambassador with infi nite responsibility. Second, it is also my first posting in a European country, which is very different in many ways from the places I have been to before. I am especially enjoying its significant cultural assets, and its unique in ternational solidarity based on the Schengen Agreement. Above all, the Czech Republic itself has made my journey here adventurous. From Korean investments to people to-people exchanges, we have many pending issues that keep my life busy and challenging. Moreover, the country is so dynamic and diverse. I am trying my best to visit all parts of the Czech Republic, and every time it surprises me with new and unique things.

Korea is an industrial power. Can you tell us more about our cooperation in this sphere?

Korea established diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic in 1990. The two countries agreed to level up their relationship to a ‘strategic partnership’ in 2015. It was the first time that the Czech Republic had such a relationship with an Asian country. Trade volume between the two countries increased from about 82 million USD in 1993 to around 4 billion USD in 2021. Moreover, as Prime Minister Fiala recently mentioned, Korea is the third largest investor in the Czech Republic, after Germany and the United States. Korean companies investing in the Czech Republic are at the essence of this relationship. We have over 10 manu facturing companies and over 100 Korean companies doing business here. The representative manufacturers are

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

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. TAE-JIN KIM, AMBASSADOR OF SOUTH KOREA

10

Hyundai Motors in the Moravia-Silesia region, and Nexen Tire in Ústí region. Doosan Škoda Power, a joint venture of Doosan and Škoda, is an excellent example of a Korea-C zechia business relationship. These Korean companies are beneficial to the Czech community by creating employ ment, paying taxes, and taking social responsibility.

What is, for you, the most challenging part of your ambassadorial role in our country?

As an ambassador, I represent my nation and government.

At the same time, however, I am responsible for every aspect of the embassy as I am also the head of the organization. Therefore, many administrative duties and responsibilities fall onto me, from maintaining our facilities well to managing human resources.

In the particular case of the Korean Embassy here in Prague, we have been building our new embassy chancellery for the past three years. Previously, I did not have any experience related to architecture or building, so I needed to study hard in order to be responsible for this building construction. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck right after the property’s groundbreaking, we have also had a very challenging situation. After all these hardships, I am happy to share with the readers that our new embassy chancellary is officially opening this September, at Pelléova Street, Prague 6.

Considering all your responsibilities, do you man age to find any free time?

Of course, my wife and I love to stroll around the city of Prague. We do see living here as a privilege. We especially like to walk at dawn or at night, to enjoy Prague in tranquillity.

Also, as borders were closed for the last two years due to COVID-19, we tried to visit as many Czech cities as possible. I have been to all three historical regions; Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The country has many great places that Korean tourists have yet to discover. As the Korean Ambassador, I always recommend that Korean visitors travel not only to the capital city but also to visit the spectacular nature and beautiful cities of the Czech Republic.

What would you like to point out to conclude this interview?

As the first strategic partner to the Czech Republic in Asia, Korea has proven to be a great friend and partner for over 30 years. However, after working as the Korean Ambassador for the past three years, I strongly feel the two countries’ relationship arrived at a critical juncture. Korea can either remain a good friend and business partner as it is right now, or we can surely upgrade our relationship to another level. In this regard, Korea will submit its bid for the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant project in November. For this moment, the KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) has been actively cooperating with both central and regional governments and societies. As our successful partnership with the UAE in building the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant shows, the Dukovany project will be an excellent catalyst for upgrading bilateral relations, in not only the field of energy but also industry, investment, defence, and many more.

Prague Sounds presents: THE CONCERT FOR EUROPE

The first ever concert of the Czech Philharmonic on the Vltava river to honour the Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union

Photo: Petra Hajská

Text: Daniel Nývlt; Photo: Archive

devoted to peace and science

Bird´s-eye view of the Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station located on the northern shore of James Ross Island with icebergs and Antarctic Peninsula in the background

14 The Czech Antarctic Station was built 15 years ago

It has now been 15 years since the Czech Antarctic Re search Programme began in 2007 at the Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station, located on James Ross Island, east of the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. This happened after the previous two austral seasons of construction. The station allows both Czech and other international researchers to work in the pristine envi ronment of the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, where only few research stations are located. During all this time, Czech scientists have been in close contact with foreign colleagues, either working together directly in the Antarctic field or jointly evaluating the field data and samples for more comprehensive scientific publica tions. The research focus of the Czech Antarctic Research Programme is very wide - from the mapping of the current Antarctic environment (from geology to wildlife), through the study of responses of Antarctic geo- and ecosystems and their components to past, present, and future environmental changes, to the discovery of new Antarctic species, thus widening the general knowledge.

Antarctica is a protected natural reserve

Antarctica still represents the least explored continent, but also embodies the best-preserved nature. The conservation of Antarctica for the future of humankind and planet Earth itself was also a principal political issue within the Antarctic Treaty System. This led to the signing of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty in 1991. It designates Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, sets basic principles applicable to human activities in Antarctica, and prohibits all activities related to Antarctic mineral

resources except for scientific research.

Besides, Antarctica also means international scientific collaboration on both logistic and scientific issues. For the Czech Antarctic Research Programme focused on the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, the prominent collaborating nations are, besides European partners, Argentina and Chile. They have a long-standing tradition and experience in the given region, both in terms of logistics supported by their navies and air forces but also in science. We share the same enthusiasm to study the last and least explored continent, but also to preserve this continent for future generations.

Ice “equals” to 58m of sea level

It should also be noted that the current climate change has also had an exceptional effect on the Antarctic environment. The coastal regions are already changing, but the interior parts of the continent may be affected over the next decades to first centuries. Antarctica represents a potential threat to the densely inhabited coastal regions of the world. The volume of the Antarctic Ice Sheet equals to more than 58m of sea level equivalent if melted completely, and we face prominent traces of ice melting, especially for the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. However, recent studies have also highlighted the nearfuture threat for the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which had been thought to be stable and slowly gaining ice mass only a few years ago. Therefore, scientific data on climate change impact on the Antarctic environment are of high demand, and an international coordination of the most important current topics to be studied in Antarctica are led by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

Bibby Hill represents prominent volcanic feature well visible from the Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station

Doc. Mgr. Daniel Nývlt, Ph.D.

Head of the Czech Antarctic Research Programme, Associate Professor working at the Department of Geography, Masaryk University in Brno, where he is also the Head of the Polar-Geo-Lab. He gives advance courses on Quaternary Geology and Palaeogeography; Geomorphology; Geology; Glaciers of the Earth and Geoscience and Ecology and Geosciences of Polar Regions at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno. He has also taught at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague and the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice in the past.

Daniel Nývlt has experience with physical geographical, geomorphological, and geological research at five continents (Europe, Asia, Northern and Southern America, the Arctic, and Antarctica), frequently publishes results in international journals and books, is a co-author of numerous geological and geomorphological maps, and provides reviews for a wide variety of international scientific journals and science agencies. He cooperates with researchers from Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, the UK, and the USA.

He is associate editor of Frontiers in Earth Science, Co-editor of Bulletin of Geosciences and is a member of editorial boards of the Journal of Geological Sciences – Anthropozoic and Czech Polar Reports, has organised various international conferences and edited special volumes of international journals, scientific book and conference proceedings. He is an author or co-author of >140 reviewed scientific articles, maps, and book chapters.

Large tabular icebergs calving from ice shelves are common in Prince Gustav Channel next to the Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station

The Johann Gregor Mendel Czech Antarctic Station was open in 2007 and is named after the famous founder of genetics, who spent most of his life in Brno

The northern part of James Ross Island represents one of the largest deglaciated area in Antarctica, which contrasts with highly glaciated area of Antarctic Peninsula on the horizon

My nomination to your country is a big privilege

What do you think of when you hear the word Morocco? It might be Casablanca, a renowned film from the times of the WWII, an Arabic kaleidoscope of many colors, flavors, and sounds, or the impressive beauty of a desert landscape. These are but a few images of the Northern African country, currently represented in Prague by Mrs. Hanane Saadi, who feels honored to be designated as Ambassador here. What background does she come from? How does she describe the status of Czechia-Morocco relations? And which of our questions was she especially happy to answer?

Let’s begin with a traditional question. Can you please tell us about yourself?

I am the youngest child of a large family of seven siblings. My mother was a housewife, completely dedicated to her husband and children. This was common in our society, and I learned from her the values of sacrifice and dedication. My father was an enlightened religious scholar and Imam, who taught me the values of an open and tolerant Islam, specific of Morocco, including a respect for other religions and an acceptance of the different. I was also influenced by my elder brothers and sisters, who instilled in me the values of equality and hard work.

I married a colleague diplomat, who is, by the way, my best support in the difficult diplomatic career, and I am a mother of an 18-year-old daughter who is my best achievement.

What drew you to diplomacy and how did you become an ambassador?

One of my two brothers was a diplomat himself, and my cousin was also a diplomat. I came to visit him in Prague, where he was serving at the Moroccan embassy, when I was a student. It was my first contact with your beautiful capital city. So, as you can understand, I have been in contact with the diplomatic world for many years. This is the reason why I decided to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs right after my graduation. But the way to my designation as Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco was long. In total, I have been serving at the Ministry for almost 30 years. During those years, I was posted in many countries as a diplomatic counsellor, and before my designation as ambassador I was consul general in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.

How long have you been in the Czech Republic?

I have had the honor of representing my country here in

the Czech Republic since July 2018. As I have mentioned before, I visited Prague many years ago so I already knew how beautiful it is. I don’t really want to give details about my age… haha, but my first visit took place before the Velvet Revolution. Of course, there is a huge difference between visiting a capital as a tourist and being accredited as ambassador. Prague is as beautiful as before, but I can tell that the atmosphere and the spirit of the city have changed. I consider my nomination by HM the King Mohammed VI to your country a big privilege because of the beauty of its history, architecture, and the culture in general, not only in Prague but also in other places around the country. It is also an honor for me to represent Morocco to an important partner, and to work towards enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.

After a few years of your diplomatic service here, can you share with us your impressions and highlights?

Just after I started, in 2018, I was given the task of preparing a delegation of the Czech prime minister and about forty Czech businessmen to Morocco. It was a big responsibility for me only a few months after my designation, but I think we managed to organize a very successful visit.

I am also proud that in April 2019 a direct flight between Prague and Casablanca was launched by Air Arabia, which was unfortunately cancelled because of the pandemic. I’m working hard to reopen it as soon as possible. You know the importance of direct flights for building bridges between people, be it for tourism, cultural exchange, or investments. But what I’m most proud of is the big number of new friends, contacts at all levels of Czech society, which I have had the opportunity to meet. It is extremely enriching and pleasant because wherever I have been around here, I have always been extremely well received. These relations are

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

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. HANANE SAADI, AMBASSADOR OF MOROCCO

giving me a chance to let people know more about my country, to raise interest for visiting it and to sometimes change the perception that some of them could have about women from Arab and Muslim countries.

Several months ago, Spain changed its stance to wards the Moroccan Sahara issue after a long time, and announced its support for the Moroccan initiative in this region. Can you tell us more about this historic turnabout?

First, I would like to thank you for asking this question because it is related to our territorial integrity. My country is facing an artificial conflict in the Moroccan Sahara, inherited from the period of the cold war. I would like to give some historical facts if you allow me. Due to its strategic geographical location, Morocco is one of very few countries that suffered from the colonization of two powers. In our case, it was France in the centre, and Spain in the north and south. When we gained our inde pendence in 1956, Spain was still occupying our southern part, the Sahara. Our independence was then not complete. Later, my country was gradually recovering its territories from Spain (Tarfaya in 1958 and Sidi Ifni in 1969). Later, in 1963, Morocco claimed the occupied territory of the Sahara at the United Nations. We asked for its registration at the UN committee for decolonization and never stopped claiming it. In 1975, and after long negotiations, an agreement was signed with Spain and notified to the UN. According to its dispositions, Morocco recovered its southern provinces by peaceful means. The Green March was indeed a momen tum in our history, and all Moroccans are proud of it. Unfortunately, the geopolitical situation and the cold war complicated the situation. The fact is that Morocco has always been an ally of the West, but our neighboring countries, with a different ideology and a lot of petrodollars, decided to take advantage of a group of young Moroccan students of Rabat and Marrakech universities, with origins

in the south. They created a separatist movement called Polisario to destabilize my country. This left-wing movement is still hosted, armed, and financed to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity. A group of people from the region (the exact number is unknown since the hosting country never allowed the UNHCR to carry on the census despite being repeatedly asked by the UN) has been taken hostage for almost half a century in camps, without any right to vote, work, build a house, or just leave… They are living in inhu man conditions in complete violation of all Human Rights and UN Refugees Conventions.

As a proof of good will, Morocco continues to support the efforts made by the UN to find a political solution, as stipulated in all the Security Council Resolutions since 2007, when the Initiative of a Large Autonomy was proposed by my country to put an end to this artificial regional conflict.

I have much more to say about this issue, but I don’t want to be too long. The fact is that while talking with Czech people, I unfortunately notice that they don’t know much about it and therefore I indeed thank you for giving me the opportunity to enlighten your distinguished readers on this.

…let us not forget the change of Spain´s position…

Sure. After giving these historical facts, I can now answer your question about Spain’s new position regarding the Moroccan Sahara. “Spain considers the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 as the most serious, realistic, and credible way for resolving the dispute”.

As I mentioned before, this country had been occupying the territory since 1884, and they used to consider it as “terra nullius”, which is not true. Nomadic tribes have always moved through the Sahara according to their way of life. The Spanish authorities do actually have the documents that prove the relationship between the heads of these tribes and the kings of Morocco. They were designated as representatives of the Moroccan monarchs for centuries, the prayers were said in their name (which is a very important symbol of allegiance in the Muslim culture)…

This is what makes the new stance of Spain as important as it is. Nevertheless, I have to remind you that the USA recog nized my country’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara. Almost 30 countries have already opened their consulates general in Laayoune or Dakhla, the main cities of the provin ces concerned. I can tell you a lot about the development of the infrastructure thanks to the strategic vision of HM the King, the peaceful life of people , or about the investment opportunities for Czech companies, but I would rather invite you and your readers to come and see for yourselves.

You are known for your activity supporting close relations between three religions. Would you like to tell us more?

My country has been a land of tolerance and cohabitation for centuries. Moroccan Islam is very open, moderate, and tolerant. Few people know that until the 1950s there

were 300,000 Jews living there in complete harmony with the Muslims. They later moved mainly to Israel, but also to Canada and the USA. Today, Morocco is the only Arab country where you can still find a Jewish community living in peace and using their own places of worship, schools, and judiciary system. By the way, the Moroccan constitution perfectly endorses its various cultural components, be it African, Amazigh, or Hebrew. Pope François visited Morocco in 2019 as a proof of his imminence’s consideration for my country as a land of peace and tolerance. On this occasion, the Jerusalem Declaration was signed by the Pope and H.M. the king of Morocco calling for the preservation of the multi faith character of the holy city. This is the reason that makes me fully convinced that intercul tural and interfaith dialogue is the best way to build bridges between people of different cultures and religions. As I mentioned before, I learned this as a child from my father, and as an adult I realized the specificity of my country as a land of cohabitation. I was able to understand why our monarchs hold the title of Amir Al Mouminine (Leader of the Faithful). I learned how His Majesty Late King Mohammed V protected the Moroccan Jews from the Vichy Regime, etc. The abrahamic religions prayer that I organized in 2020 on the occasion of our National Day, and the concert of Moroccan/ Jewish music held in the Trauttmansdorf Palace earlier this year, are just a symbol of my personal commitment and the commitment of my country in relation to interfaith dialogue.

How do you view the status of Czechia-Morocco relations?

Morocco and the Czech Republic initiated their diplomatic relations back in 1959. More than sixty years later, they have built excellent bilateral relations at the political, economic, and human levels. Morocco is the second trade partner of the Czech Republic in the MENA region and in Africa. Important Czech companies such as Škoda, Tatra, and Linet have an important presence on the Moroccan market. We actually have a similar structure of economy, including a focus on the automotive industry, and we are interested in Czech engineering and manufacturing know-how, both in and out of the automotive industry. There are untapped opportunities for Czech companies in IT, the medical and pharmaceutical industries, defense, the food industry, and agriculture.

This interview is taken on the occasion of your national day. What are you wishing for your country? And what for the Czech Republic?

First of all, I wish peace and prosperity for the people of both countries. I also wish for the end of the war in Ukraine, because wars always have horrific consequences on the whole world. We have already suffered an unprecedented pandemic, and we have to focus on the welfare of our people, so I can only address my best wishes of peace, good health, and success to all humanity. I would like to finish this interview by inviting Czech people to enjoy the charm of my country, and inviting Czech busi nessmen to discover the huge potential of its economy.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. HANANE SAADI, AMBASSADOR OF MOROCCO

You are the drivers of democratic change

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, opened the 4th annual Youth Conference on the Chamber floor. It is a project initiated by the European Union and organized by the Civil Society Forum of the Eastern Partnership. Its goal is to achieve a closer cooperation between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. This was the first event held in the Chamber of Deputies during the Czech Presidency of the EU Council.

Its participants are active young people from Eastern Partner ship countries and EU member states. The main topic of the conference was the role of young people in the restoration of democracy and its defense against threats in times of crisis.

„The role of young people has proven to be absolutely essential in the transition to democracy in our country. I consider the support of their efforts to develop civil society in the countries of the Eastern Partnership to be a practical fulfillment of Václav Havel‘s legacy,“ said Speaker of the House of Representatives Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

„Moldova and Ukraine recently gained the status of candidate countries of the European Union. However, the family of EU member states is open to all who pro fess and promote the values of freedom and democra cy. I am convinced that, as future leaders, you will also contribute to this in your countries,“ concluded Speaker Adamová.

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

The beauty

of human aging

I first met Markéta about twelve years ago at the Shanghai EXPO 2010, and a few months ago our paths crossed again here in Prague. When I asked Markéta for an interview, I warned her that it would be different than usual. It wasn’t just going to be about work, concerts, and plans. It was going to be more special - very personal and very natural. This interview was done during Markéta´s holiday in Italy, which is her almost second home and where she has time to think in a completely different way. An Italian sort of way.

Markéta, what is it that you think about these days? About how time passes by. I like the Greek concept of inner and outer time - Chronos and Kairos. From the point of view of the universe, time is defined for man on Earth as a drop in the ocean. But for us, sometimes a minute is infinite, and at the same time ten years pass in the blink of an eye. I had never thought about it before, but I can see in our daughter how time passes. As disturbing as it might seem to be, it makes me happy that I was able to notice it.

They say time heals everything. And I believe it.  Two years of COVID have shown us a face of time we hadn’t seen before. It is unimaginable for musicians and artists from the classical music world to not have a full calendar

for several years ahead. They regularly perform in various places worldwide. Suddenly, everything changed. And I am gradually taking the change as a challenge and as an indicator that the time for changes has come.

And what did you get out of this finding? That there is no rush. However, you have to grow to (realise) that. Grow older. Ten or twenty years ago, I was able to get in the car after a performance at the National Theatre in Prague, drive to Rome, and the next day, after only taking a shower, go on stage again. That’s youth, when we feel we have to do everything right away. Even now, I’m a bit impetuous, but I like slowly getting old.

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Melanie Dzurendová

A few words about Markéta: Markéta Fassati is a Czech soprano and multi-genre singer, presenter, produ cer, founder of several internationally successful projects, and last but not least a wife and mother. She was born in Prague into the family of a renowned choirmaster and conductor Lubomír Mátl. Since the beginning of her musi cal career, she has travelled all over the world. She speaks several languages, and her hobbies include architecture, real estate reconstruction, design, and above all family. Her husband is very well known tennis coach Martin Fassati.

To find out more about Markéta Fassati and her projects, go to www.marketafassati.com and www.fassatiartfestival.com

Markéta, wait, how can you talk about getting old? It’s rather like a good wine, getting better! We’re all getting older, even though we’re trying to stop it. Okay, let’s call it growing older. Now, around the age of 40 and halfway through my life, I’m starting to enjoy the days like I wasn´t able to before. I can better appreciate a loving family, a good character in people, health, and the value of education. That’s why I like to sing in churches and castles. The spiritual world meets the craftsmanship of architecture and history. I appreciate singing for an audience that can turn off their phones for an hour or two, and allow themselves to be transported into a world of music that spans centuries.

That sounds great. What shows will you invite us to in the second half of this year?

Both of my projects – the Fassati Art Festival and Church Festivities - are in full preparation for the next season. Specifically, the Fassati Art Festival’s Advent Gala will take place at the Municipal House in Prague on 29 November, and the Church Festivities concerts are held regularly every month in various churches around Prague. In addition, I am invited to give concerts, performances, and moderate for companies, private companies, and cultural houses. I am not bored. I am very active, sometimes too active. But I am aware of the beauty of human aging: “festina lente / dolce far niente”, or in English “hurry slowly / the beauty of doing

nothing”. So, I am simply observing the world around me too. And when I manage to switch my mind off, the best ideas and inventions come.

You have a beautiful daughter. How does it feel to be a mother and wife?

Honestly, to be a mother is more beautiful than I expected. Seeing an unspoiled children’s world full of small joys is very encouraging and inspiring. I believe that the next genera tion will be smarter and more considerate than ours. I also realize how important it is to have a loving and functional family. It is like a safe harbour in a stormy sea.

You come from an extremely musical family. Do you think your daughter will be the third musical generation? That’s a great question. It would be nice because I could pass on the knowledge I have. Sometimes, I am surprised by how beautifully she sings. Marina also has great abilities in sports. She can run very well and loves tennis and team games. We will support her in everything she chooses. The main thing is to be happy in life.

Where do you see yourself in another twelve years? The year is 2034 and Markéta Fassati is around fifty years old. She sees her children growing up, drinks lovely wine with her husband, and supports young talents. She enjoys spending time with real friends, sees the world from the other perspec tive, and knows how fragile it is to keep peace in the world.

We are proud to celebrate of diplomatic relations

“Past and present can say a lot about our rich friendship,” declares Mrs. Leonora Rueda, Mexican Ambassador to the Czech Republic, with confidence. What is the connection between her and President Masaryk? Why should we learn about General Lazaro Cardenas? And what are the so-called “fam trips” to Mexico? These are just a few intriguing questions you will be able to answer after reading our interview.

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

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. LEONORA RUEDA, AMBASSADOR OF MEXICO

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

First, let me express my thanks to the Leaders Magazine for your interest in Mexico, and for a great opportunity to transmit some little hints about my country to the readers. Since I am a part of my country, here is a bit about my background. As a good Latin, my complete name is Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez. I was born in Kansas City, Mo., USA, where my father was a Consul of Mexico. When I was three years old, he died, and my mother, three months pregnant with my sister, decided to come back to Mexico to live with the rest of the family - two aunts. So, I grew up in the big, populated, and vibrant Mexico City.

Lucky me, my primary school was El Colegio Madrid, founded by the Spanish exile; followed by the Secondary School No. 8 “President Masaryk”, where I learned the Czechoslovak anthem! I am very happy that I will always remember the Kde domov můj, země česká, domov můj. It never crossed my mind though that someday, Česko would also be my domov můj. I did my university studies at the Faculty of Political Science, in the field of International Relations, in the glorious UNAM (National University Autonomous of Mexico), the largest in Latin America.

I have been a widow since 2008, and have two beautiful daughters, Valentina and Itzel, and two marvellous grandchildren, Leo and Elisa.

How did you become an ambassador?

I have been a career member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1990, but I started working in the Ministry itself many years before, in 1974, working part-time and studying.

It was a great advantage to learn some daily practice secrets at the “headquarters”, that will later on serve me to “accommodate accordingly” in the solution of problemsbetter than (learning just) the theory.

My first assignment was in New Orleans, La., as a Consul of Mexico. My next posts abroad have been to Hanoi, Vietnam, as Charge d’Affaires, and as Ambassador to Jamaica (concurrent to The Bahamas), New Zealand (concurrent to Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu), and finally now to the Czech Republic. Before and in the middle of these terms, I have served at the headquarters. So, in my case, I got the first appointment as an ambassador after 16 years of work, based on my “file” that contains proof of experience and the necessary merits to obtain this high responsibility.

Do you still enjoy living your ambassador role? I must say that yes, after all these years of being an

ambassador, it is still a great honour and the highest privilege to represent my country and carry on the highest responsibilities the best way I can. I love my work and feel passionate about it. Especially when you are in a country that inspires you like the Czech Republic. I would also like to point out that having great colleagues, with whom you can share your ideas, concerns, and social life, brings enrichment to your life.

An ambassador’s life is one in which studying never ends. The global dynamics make us attached to the media, to the daily news, and to the permanent dialogue with political and economic actors. Should I give some advice to the future generations of ambassadors, I would say: Do not believe everything you hear or read! Try to see the shades behind the, at the first sight, black and white.

What should we know about Czechia-Mexico relations?

Mexico and the Czech Republic enjoy an excellent political dialogue in all fields of bilateral and multilateral relations. We share the same values and principles of freedom and democracy.

Today, Mexico is the main economic and commercial partner of the Czech Republic in Latin America, with about 1,800 million of dollars in trade; a growing presence of Czech and Mexican tourists; a rich cultural and educative exchange and a great potential to take advantage of. This year, I am proud to say that we celebrate 100 years of the establishment of Mexico-Czechoslovakia / the Czech Republic diplomatic relations (1922-2022). Since then, there have been many episodes that reveal the strong level of friendship, dialogue, and cooperation that happily exist between our two nations and peoples.

Can you give some concrete examples, please?

One quick example of this is the Mexican position in 1938, unique in Latin America, towards the Pact of Munich, when the then President Lazaro Cardenas denounced it as the sacrifice of Czechoslovakia and the door to the Second World War. In memory of this historical fact, you can find a park named General Lazaro Cardenas in Prague 6. In the same sense, you can find a village in Mexico City named San Jeronimo Lidice out of solidarity with the Czech Lidice village, after the massacre of its population in 1942. Also, during the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968, the presentation of the renowned Czech woman gymnast Věra Čáslavská was a great occasion for Mexicans to show her their full solidarity, given the events of that year in

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. LEONORA RUEDA, AMBASSADOR OF MEXICO

Czechoslovakia. The past and present can say a lot about our rich friendship and understanding. Just last March, high authorities of both countries gladly endorsed the same feelings and decided to go forward to reach new levels of cooperation.

You have been posted in the Czech Republic for four years. Are there still any areas left for you to explore?

Every day, I discover new opportunities in different fields, on which I could work for the strengthening of the relationship between our countries and peoples. From those in trade and education, to those in speleology or anthropology! Not to mention the multiple experiences in the areas of science, technology, gastronomy, and spirits, of course, pivo in the first place… and tequila, in the second! I have found multiple areas in which both societies could work together. I would need another four years, at least, to take advantage of them all.

Tourism is very important to your country. How do you attract visitors to come to Mexico?

We are developing an interesting program to work together with travel agencies, which includes the presentation of thematic videos on different routes dedicated to special interest issues, for example: the fashion route, the gastronomic route, the mountains route, the ethnic museums route, etc. Also, we have the so-called “fam trips”, meaning familiarization trips to the country, for the travel

agencies. Being an ambassador in your country, I consider myself lucky because in Cancun, one of the main tourist destinations, there is a travel agency called Mexikocesky that helps us with the Czech tourists, mainly those interested in the beautiful Riviera Maya.

This interview was taken on the occasion of your national day. Can you make a wish for your country, and perhaps for the Czech Republic too?

I wish all the best to the Czech Republic for a successful role as a presiding country of the EU Council. I hope that during its tenure we can put “the cherry on the cake” of the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, with the EU ratification of the updated Global Agreement Mexico-EU, which would take us to a higher level of bilateral, economic, and commercial relations.

On this 212th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico, I would like to wish both countries to continue strengthening our friendship links and to work hard together in all fora, bilaterally and multilaterally, to reach the oh-so-necessary global peace, not just with words but with facts. We could remember to this point President’s Juarez words from the 19th century: “Among individuals, as among nations, the respect to the rights of others is peace”.

Viva México. Viva República Checa!

The 100th anniversary of Mexico-Czechia diplomatic relations

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of Mexico-Czechoslovakia diplomatic relations (1922-2022), the Embassy of Mexico in the Czech Republic and the Strahov Library organized the inaugural “Documentary and Cartographic Exhibition on Mexico (17th-19th centuries)“

Staff of the Embassy of Mexico, from left: Eric Cervantes, IT, Min. Miguel Angel Vilchis, Deputy Head of Mission, H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico, Dominika Bernáthová, Cultural Assistant, Carlos Alberto Quiroz, Administrative Affairs, Patricia Chumacero, Multilateral Affairs

From left: H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

From left: Mr. Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Evermod Gejza Šidlovský, O. Praem., Director of the Strahov Library

From left: H.E. Mr. Zdeněk Kubánek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Mexico, H.E. Mr. Nestor Francisco Popolizio, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Angel Lossada, Ambassador of Spain, Mrs. Veronika Kuchyňová Šmigolová, Director of Americas Department and Junior Deputy Minister of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr. Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Sonia Regina Guimaraes, Ambassador of Brazil, and H.E. Mr. Taejin KIM, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

The future will be MANIFOLD

Arnošt Barna, Managing Director of Kia Czech since 2018, has recently sat down with us to talk about his 30 years of experience in the car industry. “I have loved cars and technology since I was a little boy, so it was not a difficult decision back then to study this field at university and start working for different brands immediately after graduation. I have connected with cars all my life,” he explains where his passion lies. Let us take a glimpse at his world, the world of a distinguished, highly experienced professional in his own field.

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

INTERVIEW WITH ARNOŠT BARNA, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KIA CZECH

I was born in Prague, where I also did my studies. When the Velvet Revolution came in 1989, I was a student at the Czech Technical University in Prague, one of the biggest and oldest technical universities in Europe. I have loved cars and technology ever since I was a little boy, and therefore chose to study traffic and transport technology at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Soon after I graduated, I started working for various carmakers that began building their offices in the Czech Republic. I worked for Daihatsu, Toyota, and Kia in management positions in sales, marketing, dealer network development, and strategic planning. For the last five years, I have been the General Manager of Kia Czech. So, as you can see, I have connected with cars all my life. What continues to fascinate me is the constant technological progress, development of drive systems, and introduction of ever more modern safety and assistance systems.

selling its first electric car back in 2011. It was the Ray EV, a minivan designed for the Korean market. The first electric car introduced to the European market was the Soul EV model in 2014.

We have decided to become a leader in sustainable mobility development. In our strategic Plan S, we have committed to reaching a complex portfolio of 14 battery electric cars by 2027, and reaching carbon neutrality across all aspects of our operations, including waste disposal, by 2045. We signed an agreement on a seven-year global partnership with The Ocean Cleanup organisation, which strives to clean oceans and seas from plastics. Kia will not only fund activities connected with the cleaning but also materially and financially support the construction of the Interceptor Original facility, whose task is to catch the plastic in the rivers before it even gets into the oceans. Then, we are planning to recycle the collected waste and re-use it in our cars. We remember our traditional cars too. Let me just mention the development of synthetic fuel, which we have already launched, and which will help to reduce emissions of combustion fuels by up to 80%.

Dramatically. Drivability, reliability, fuel consumption and emissions, and of course speed, accompanied with safety, have all improved tremendously. A completely new chapter is represented by the use of smart techno logy, having the Internet on board, and last but not least the use of sustainable materials in manufacturing. I dare to say that the ordinary car has changed more in the last 20 years than it has in the entire second half of the last century. Most recently, the greatest focus of the industry has been paid to the development of electromobility.

Kia is the second largest South Korean car manu facturer, after its parent company Hyundai. Where do you sell your cars?

Kia operates on almost all continents. Our cars can be successfully positioned in any market, and reach drivers in any country around the world. The Czech Republic can serve as an example here. Last year, we won the fifth position in the market, and this year we are the ones who have been showing one of the fastest growths among the TOP 5 brands. We offer a wide range of models, from the smallest city cars to a spacious sports sedan, from traditional gas and diesel engines, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, to battery electric cars. We focus on passenger models; we do not offer any commercial vehicles right now.

The Kia EV6 is an electric car that can charge faster than a Tesla, go further than a Hyundai Ioniq5, and some versions can even out-accelerate a Porsche Taycan 4S. Is this what electric cars will look like in the future?

We certainly see the EV6 model as a groundbreaking mo del that is ahead of its time and clearly shows the future trend in electromobile development. It is the very first car with a new chassis platform designed exclusively for electric cars. Thanks to this innovation, it does not have to make the multiple compromises that electric cars built on the platforms originally designed for combus tion engine cars are troubled by. As a result, the Kia EV6 offers the most spacious interior in its class, an impressive driving range of 528 km on one charge, and ultra-fast charging, enabling drivers to go from 10% to 80% of their battery in only 18 minutes. All this is not only what we in Kia know about this model - professionals and the public have noticed too, which has manifested in the many awards that the EV6 has received so far, e.g. the presti gious 2022 European Car of the Year award. According to the latest results, the EV6 is the third most sold fully electric car in the Czech Republic. And since the Kia EV6 is just the first out of 14 battery all-electric models that Kia plans to introduce by 2027, next year we will start selling another model of this series – a fully electric SUV called the EV9.

Do you think that electric cars are where the car industry is headed?

Ecology has been our motivation for several decades, and over the last 20 years we have been intensively developing our own alternative drive systems. Therefore, we were among the first manufacturers to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid models to our customers. Kia started

I can tell you where Kia is headed in this regard. By 2025, Kia wants to invest about 340 billion Czech crowns in innovative technology development, while a substantial part of this amount will be used for electromobility development. By 2035, we want to have a complete all-

Can you tell us a bit about your early days in the industry, and what it is that fascinates you so much about cars?

How has the car industry changed over the last few decades?

Ecology is a pressing issue globally, and part of the Czech Republic’s EU Presidency agenda too. What steps is Kia taking in this regard?

electric model series, and we have also joined the RE100 initiative, pledging to switch to 100% renewable energy in electricity production. Our Kia production facility in Slovakia has already fully switched to green energy for electricity production.

However, we do not want to focus on only battery electric cars (BEV). We believe that the future will be manifold, and there will be space for hydrogen fuel cell electric cars (FCEV) too. Our technology is ready, what is left to be solved is an ecological and low-cost hydro gen production and a sufficient infrastructure of filling stations. I am convinced that various types of alternative ecological drive systems can coexist side by side. Then, it will be a customer’s choice, which option they select.

You mentioned sufficient infrastructure. Which other services have emerged alongside the arrival of electric cars?

Kia is moving from a pure car manufacturer into the position of a sustainable mobility solutions provider together with complex associated services. Thus, besides the top-quality cars, we are now able to provide our customers with the technology for home and company charging, and also with supply solutions for easy charging at public charging stations. For this purpose, we offer two charging cards: an all-Europe Kia Charge for 360,000 stations across Europe, and a Kia EV Power Card with even better prices, designed for local infrastructure. The latter can be used at almost 630 charging stations run by the ČEZ, PRE, and E.ON companies, however, it also works with more providers in all neighbouring countries.

Last year, we also started cooperation with the E.ON energy company. This enables us to offer our custo mers a literal turnkey acquisition of a home wall-box or company charger, from the initial guidance, through the administration of the subsidies for the purchase, to a final installation and after-sale service.

What type of steps could the Czech government take to promote the sale of electric cars?

To effectively spread electric cars among the Czech public, we need a working system of subsidies and advantages, not only for companies but also mainly for the general public, as well as support in building the

charging infrastructure. As an automotive superpower, we are falling behind in electromobility support and charging infrastructure development compared to Western and Northern Europe. However, what we see as a positive step is the support announced in June for the purchase of electric cars and the construction of charging stations for state administration, local government, non-profits, and similar organizations. The reduction of the tax base when using a company car as a private vehicle from 1% to 0.5% of the price of the car, effective from this July, is also a step towards increasing the attractiveness of fully electric vehicles among employees. It is a used-cars market, where they become more and more accessible to the public.

I am planning to buy a new car next year. Now, I drive a hybrid and I am thinking about a plug-in or electric car. What is your recommendation?

When choosing a new alternatively fuelled car, you should always think about how you use your car, and if you can charge it at home or at work. If your daily mileage does not exceed 250 km and you have a place to recharge, a battery electric car is an ideal solution for you. Personally, I have long-term experience with both plug-in hybrid and fully battery-powered cars. When driving further than 300 km, I always take breaks to relax and drink coffee, no matter what car I am driving. Since these breaks are enough to recharge (e.g., the EV6 needs just 5 minutes to add another 100 km), I am not limited by the use of all-electric cars at all. We can also offer a wide range of financial products to our customers, from standard loans to leasing. Kia customers’ favourite is our special loan product Kia Select.

What is Kia’s vision for the future?

Our vision is a sustainable, zero-emission mobility solu tion for people who will use it with no worries or fears. That is why we invest massively into the development of ecological production and operation of traditional cars, as well as into the innovations connected to various solu tions of alternative mobility. For example, in cooperation with the Rolls-Royce company, we started investing in advanced technology development for urban air mobili ty and regional air mobility markets.

There is not even a SINGLE “IRRITANT” in our bilateral relations

As a true lover of skiing and snowboarding, who was lucky enough to experience the atmosphere of the Zermatt mountain resort, I have a soft spot for Switzerland. This makes me even happier than usual to hear the Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Philippe Guex, say that the relations between our two countries are extraordinarily excellent – to the extent of having literally zero issues on the list of bilateral irritants.

You have a doctorate degree in business management. What made you switch over from this field to diplomatic service?

It was a coincidence that after my studies I started a career in the diplomatic service. As you say, everything was planned for me to engage in a career in banking. Not only did I have a doctorate degree in business management, but I was also the assistant of a professor of financial management. By chance, I spent a few months in Zaire (now the Republic of Congo), where I discovered the diversity of the tasks of a diplomat.

I really liked this diversity. The fact that there were just a few candidates with an economic education certainly helped me to succeed at the diplomatic exams and join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Can you share some of your impressions from the Czech Republic during your tenure in our country?

I arrived in the Czech Republic in September 2020. The first thing that struck me was the beauty of the city of Prague, which is a jewel of baroque architecture and art nouveau. The discovery of the different regions of the

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso;

Photo: Archive

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. PHILIPPE GUEX, AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND

“country of 1,000 castles” was then my second wonder. Finally, as a history lover, I am fascinated by the richness of the historical past of the Czech lands through the centuries. I like to research the historical links between the Swiss cantons and the Kingdom of Bohemia, historical links that go back to Emperor Charles IV.

The EU Council presidency of the Czech Republic started on 1 July 2022. What are you, as a representative of Switzerland and former deputy head of the Swiss Mission to the EU, Brussels, expecting?

It is obvious to everyone that the priorities of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council had to be redefined in light of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army. For instance, the joint management of the refugee crisis, the reconstruction of Ukraine, redefining the continent‘s energy security, and the strengthening of European defense capabilities. But personally, I think that the main challenge for Prague will be to keep all EU countries united behind its Presidency in the European Union‘s common efforts to support Ukraine.

How do you see the current status of Czech-Swiss relations?

I will not surprise you by saying that our bilateral relations are excellent. What did surprise me when I took up my post in Prague was that there was not even a single issue that gave rise to some irritation at the bilateral level. In all the countries I had served

in before, there was always a short list of issues that were described as „irritants“. Here, there were none. Another example of the quality of our bilateral relations is the successful visit to Prague by the President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in May of this year. It was an opportunity for him to discuss Switzerland‘s European policy with his Czech counterparts and to recall that Switzerland stands together with the European Union when it comes to Cohesion Policy which aims at reducing the economic gap with the most advanced EU countries. These are not only nice and friendly words. Switzerland will finance projects in the Czech Republic over the next few years up to 1,600 million crowns, primarily in the field of the environment.

Does Switzerland, with its many well-known attractions, still need to be promoted abroad?

The beauty of the Alps, our watches, cheese, chocolate, peace, and security are the basis of the traditional image of Switzerland that is well spread abroad. It is the DNA of the Swiss soft power. But Switzerland is not only that - it is also a country of innovation at the cutting edge of some technologies.

In order to promote the image of Switzerland as a modern and innovative country, an itinerant exhibition is travelling through the Czech Republic. The exhibition is dedicated to the “how clean tech can save the world” topic. It was launched in Prague in March by Bertrand Piccard, the famous Swiss explorer and adventurer. Liberec and Pardubice were the next stops

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. PHILIPPE GUEX, AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND

of the exhibition. The next host cities will be Brno (5 Sept. - 7 Oct.) at VIDA Park and BVV MSV, and Ostrava (15 Oct. - 15 Nov.) at OC Forum Nová Karolína.

You have 30 years of experience as a diplomat. Can you give some advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

The notion of „public diplomacy“ was totally unknown 30 years ago. Today it is a working tool that has not only become indispensable for every diplomat, but is gaining in importance every day. The challenge for the younger generation of diplomats is not so much to be present on social media, which is not very complicated to do, but rather to understand the mechanisms of manipulation of public opinions through the (malicious) use of social media.

How do you “recharge” in your free time? I love to hike, especially in the Gruyère region of Switzerland (where the cheese comes from and where I have a mountain chalet). I also like to read - mostly history and politics books, but from time to time I also read short stories. For example, I recently read the novel ‘Jozova Hanule‘ by Czech writer Květa Legátová.

This interview is taken on the occasion of your national day. Do you have any wishes on this special day?

On August 1, Switzerland will celebrate the 721st anniversary of an alliance that was the first step on the long road to independence from the Habsburgs. Today, with the war led by Russia, Europe is at a turning point in its history. At the end of this war, I hope that our two countries will live on a continent whose security (in a broad sense) will no longer be just an illusion.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. PHILIPPE GUEX, AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND

Here are some highlights of Mrs. Tanja Strniša’s speech:

„The Republic of Slovenia was founded in 1991. Over three decades, the country has made substantial economic and social progress, and succeeded in joining the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone.

Over these past 30 years, Slovenia has been a reliable and credible member of the UN family. We are proud that after having successfully completed our second Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, Slovenia launched its candidacy for its second non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period of 2024–2025.“

„The Slovenian government is committed to further supporting EU policies and stronger EU integration,

promoting European values and rule of law. We will continue to support the enlargement of the EU as a powerful tool for reforms and stability, and assure that Slovenia will be a supportive and constructive partner to the Czech EU Presidency.

Whilst we are delighted to be celebrating the anniversary of our independent and democratic state, we have to be considerate of the fate of the countries on the European continent that are still striving for the full implementation of EU values, and for becoming members of the European family.

Allow me to continue with this thought, by saying that we cannot forget about the suffering of Ukraine and its heroic fight for its freedom and the freedom of all of us.

When speaking about Europe, let me be encouraged by the same speech of former Czech President Václav Havel, which

On the occasion of the Slovenian Statehood Day, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception

From left: H.E. Mr Egemen Bağış, Ambassador of Turkey, Mrs Beyhan Nilser Bağış, spouse of Turkey’s Ambassador, H.E. Mr Ilirian Kuka, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Mr Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal, Mikuláš Bek, Minister for EU Affairs, Mrs Markéta Beková, Minister’s spouse, H.E. Mrs Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of Slovenia, H.E. Mrs Yosra Souiden, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Daan Feddo Huisinga, Ambassador of Netherlands, Mrs Anne Francoise Daniéle Paret, spouse of Mr Huisinga, H.E. Mrs Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Anton Strniša, spouse of Mrs Strniša, and H.E. Mr Philippe Gérald Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

was an inspiration for the motto of the Czech Presidency: Let us aspire for a Europe that, and I quote President Havel, „represents a common destiny, a common, complex history, common values, and a common culture of life. And more than that, it is also, in a way, an area characterised by a certain behaviour, a certain sense of will and responsibility“. Allow me to be a dreamer and express my Lennon-like thought: „Imagine all the countries of the European continent being part of a united Europe of peace.“

Finally, yet importantly, I would like to outline the excellent and friendly bilateral relations between the Czech Republic

and Slovenia, which have sound ground in centuries-long historical and cultural ties. This year, we celebrate 30 years of our diplomatic relations and 150 years of the birth of Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who was entrusted to be Prague Castle‘s main architect by the first Czechoslovak President Masaryk.

I am confident that Slovenia and the Czech Republic will continue building strong bonds so that we will be able to also commemorate many common valuable achievements in the future.“

From left: Mr. Mikuláš Bek, Minister of European Affairs, Mrs. Markéta Beková, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, and Mr. Anton Strniša

From left: Mr. Anton Strniša, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Egemen Bağış, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, and Mrs. Beyhan N. Bağış

I represent the people of Afghanistan in a DIFFICULT TIME

Mr. Shahzad Gul Aryobee has been the Ambassador of Afghanistan to the Czech Republic since September 2019, and it was his decision to serve the suffering Afghan people right here. Before his current assignment, he was the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Afghanistan, and also worked with Afghanistan´s World Bank, USAID, and UN systems for 14 years. This interview is not an easy one, however, the Ambassador does not give up. “The Embassy of Afghanistan in Prague still represents the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, flies a three-color national flag, and I am an accredited Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Czech Government,” he says.

I have already introduced you briefly in the opening paragraph - can you add some more details about yourself, please?

Well, I am from the remote area of Zazi Aryob of the Paktia province, and I am currently stationed in your country.

I am here representing the people of Afghanistan in this diffi cult time, trying to maintain and promote friendly economic, commercial, and cultural relations among nations.

Before that, I served as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and as the Executive Chairman of the Afghan Telecom board in Kabul, Afghanistan.

I am also the founder of the Asan Khedmat project, a onestop shop for public services that I led under the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance. In addition, I served for about 14 years with Afghanistan’s WB, USAID, and UN systems. I have an advanced degree in Business Administration and IT. Along with my responsibilities as head of the diplomatic mission, I have obtained a Master of Art (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics - PPE) from CEVRO Institute Prague. I have a Language Proficiency Certification in English, speak my native Pashto, am fluent in Dari, speak Urdu, and understand Arabic.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SHAHZAD GUL ARYOBEE, AMBASSADOR OF AFGHANISTAN

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

Can you describe the situation that brought you from the Kabul government to the Prague em bassy?

As I mentioned earlier, I was the minister for two years… and during that time, I had difficulties aligning with some major issues. I therefore submitted my resignation from the minister position. Our former President, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, nominated me as Ambassador and as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary; however, it was I who selected the Czech Republic as the country of my tenure. I began my mission on 26 September 2019, and presented my credentials to Mr. Miloš Zeman, His Excellency President of the Czech Republic.

You have been in the Czech Republic for three years. What ties can you see that connect our two countries?

In the past, Afghanistan and former Czechoslovakia’s historical political and trade relations from 1928 laid the groundwork for the signing of a friendship agreement between the two countries. Czechoslovakia opened its political representation in Afghanistan in 1949, and on 24 July 1960 it upgraded these political representations to the level of embassies.

Recently, both countries had intensive cooperation in the air force and military sphere. I was pleased to see that both the Czech government and the private sector perceived Afghanistan positively. We were working on many economic and defense cooperation projects.

Economic contact was already a long-standing tradition, with increased interest among Afghan officials and private entities to strengthen the positive trend in trade exchange. We envisioned that the trade could develop more robust and better relations. We found the Czech Republic to be a good market for dry fruits, organic crops, unique handicrafts, and the mineral resources of Afghanistan.

A high-level delegation visited Prague, and Afghan traders were ready to export products that meet the highest world and EU standards. Vice versa, Afghanistan could be an ideal place for technology, machinery, and investment from the Czech Republic.

I would also like to mention the fact that the Czech Republic trained 420 Afghan pilots in Pardubice, and that the Czech Army was a part of the ISAF forces and Provincial Reconstruction Teams. The Czech police forces had also been training their Afghan counterparts. Unfortunately, in August 2021, Afghanistan’s republican system dramatically collapsed, and our planned economic and defense cooperation and activities stopped.

What exactly is the current status of CzechiaAfghanistan relations?

For the last two decades, the Czech Republic has been actively involved in Afghanistan, both at the bilateral level and as a NATO member, contributing to development and security cooperation. Since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan last year, no country in the world has recognized its government, including the Czech Republic. However, so far, the Czech Republic still has its Ambassador for Afghanistan based in Prague and has a humanitarian aid package for the people of Afghanistan. Sad to say though, Afghanistan is no longer among the Czech foreign-policy priorities. The Embassy of Afghanistan in Prague still represents the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, flies a three-color national flag, and I am the accredited Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Czech Government.

It has been almost a year since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan. How do you analyze the existing economic, security, and political situation in your country?

After one year, there is still no clarification on the country’s fundamental issues, such as the constitution, internal legitimacy, international recognition, and state structure. There is concern about the security situation, including the latest threats and attacks. The resurgence of ISIS-K and the resumption of the bloody war and blasts in Afghanistan are major concerns. Another concern is that the so-called second wave of resistance has already announced the activities of its anti-Taliban fighters. Another highly prominent issue is the economy. Afghanistan faces a development crisis. There is no basic plan for economic development that would allow for economic growth, employment, eradication of hunger, and provision of basic public services. Unemployment has risen, and people are frustrated. If we analyze the political situation, the fact is that the Taliban has made no effort for good governance and mutual accountability. They have not taken any steps to involve the people in decision-making, and have not provided a dignified life and environment for all individuals. The Taliban government has not yet gained internal legitimacy nor taken any concrete steps (towards one). They do not try integrating the available water management, mining, and trade resources. Some embassies opened in Kabul, the Taliban had engaged with the international community, and still has an office in Doha, Qatar, for dialogue.

What do you expect from the future and the world?

We have so many lessons learned in the last four decades; therefore, we must avoid repeating past mistakes. I believe that, through dialogue, there is a way for reconciliation and political settlement to reach a lasting peace and stability. At the same time, there is

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SHAHZAD GUL ARYOBEE, AMBASSADOR OF AFGHANISTAN

also an opportunity to prevent the country’s economy from collapsing, and from more violence occurring. If the government goes into isolation it will be impossible to save the country from civil war, and the country will once again become a center of terrorism and extremism. To end the current crisis, establish a legitimate government at the national and international level, use the vast potential of human energy, and prevent the loss of economic opportunities for Afghanistan and the region, the international community must meditate to open a new chapter of dialogue with the Taliban’s caretaker government. The Afghans are tired of war and terrorism. War, resistance, and internal conflict do not solve the country’s current problems and challenges but will once again pave the way to civil war, terrorism, and extremism. Therefore, we can see the only way out being through a dialogue addressing the current crisis, issues, and conflict in Afghanistan. The inter-Afghan negotiations require mediation, strong support, and coordination of Afghanistan’s neighbors, regional and international partners, the UN, OIC, and other relevant organizations. Only then will we be able to reach a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

On top of all this, a few weeks ago, Afghanistan suffered from a large magnitude earthquake that caused many casualties. What is the humanitarian situation now?

Afghanistan already faces negative development, and the humanitarian crisis has affected a large percentage of the population. The latest devastating earthquake and its strong tremors in June struck mainly the Paktika and Khost provinces. In these areas, people had already suffered from a series of natural disasters, severe droughts, and a severe lack of critical

infrastructure. As a result, the earthquake killed over 1,000 people, 1,600 were injured, and 2,600 homes were reportedly destroyed and damaged. Yes, most countries and some international organizations announced their humanitarian aid, some of which were delivered and some of which are still on the way. The Czech NGO People in Need pledged five million CZK, and at the same time we have officially requested (assistance from) the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but have not received their response yet.

This interview is taken on the occasion of your national day. Please, use this opportunity and make a wish.

On 19 August 1919, King Ghazi Amanullah Khan made great history and officially achieved independence from the then British government, recognizing Afghanistan as an independent country. I can’t forget that, despite the country’s insecurity and wars, the government and civilians have always proudly celebrated this day with great respect, grand ceremony, and national traditions. I have no idea whether or not there will be any national day celebrations this year, but the day certainly is in everyone’s hearts. Everyone knows the value of the country’s freedom and will always keep it fresh by passing it on to future generations. Regarding my wish, well, I wish to live in a free, peaceful, stable Afghanistan, and have our three-color national flag be raised in ceremonies throughout the country again. I wish to organize the national Attan dance, and host a special reception at the Embassy.

Right now, the Czech Republic is holding the presidency of the EU Council, which means that it can play an important role by supporting Afghanistan during its humanitarian crisis, finding the way towards economic cooperation, and mediating for political resettlement.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SHAHZAD GUL ARYOBEE, AMBASSADOR OF AFGHANISTAN

at the Waldstein Riding Hall of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Photo: Jana Jabůrková, Jiří Turek

Mucha: The Family Collection

The exhibition MUCHA, The Family Collection presents the works of Alphonse Mucha in a way he has never been presented before. The story of the globally revowned and celebrated artist is told through selected paintings, sculptures, photographs, and advertising works from the private collection of the artist´s family, with some originals to be seen by the public for the very first time.

Like Alphonse Mucha, Eva Jiřičná has a strong reputation wordlwide and is therefore a very prestigious connection. The impressive charm of this connection lies mainly in the fact that Eva is known for her minimalism, while Mucha is renowned for his lush, decorative style.

This cross-secetional exhibition maps out the most important stages of Mucha´s life. From his chilhood years in South Moravia to his studies in Paris, including his friendships with Paul Gauguin and Auguste Rodin, his time in America, his return to Czechoslovakia, and the creation of one of the most important works of art in Czech history – the monumental Slav Epic. Mucha longed for a world in which people from different cultural backgrounds could live together in peace and harmony. That desire is particularly poignant in today´s troubling world; it is brought to us through Mucha´s universally relevant message of hope.

Miloš Vystrčil, Chairman of the Senate

John Mucha, founder of the Mucha Foundation and chairman of its board of trustees and Eva Jiřičná, Czech architect in her speech

Miloš Vystrčil, Chairman of the Senate and John Mucha, founder of the Mucha Foundation and chairman of its board of trustees

John Mucha, founder of the Mucha Foundation and chairman of its board of trustees and Eva Jiřičná, Czech architect

Eliška Hašková-Coolidge, former Director and Special Assistant to the USA Presidents, Helena Leisztner Kroftová, Multimedia Artist, and Meshulam Zisso

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. AYESHA P. REKHI, AMBASSADOR OF CANADA

Diverse PERSPECTIVES and diverse NETWORKS are KEY to finding innovative, durable solutions to global problems

Canadians are widely known for their tolerant, fair play, and peace-loving attitude. Living mostly in modern urban areas, they are used to open-minded interaction with people of different ethnic and social backgrounds on daily basis. Mrs. Ayesha P. Rekhi, Canadian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, shows in our interview the very essence of this approach. She herself comes from an immigrant Indian family with a history of human rights activities, assures us of Canada´s strong support of Ukrainian independence, and appreciates the warm feelings that Czechs have for Canada and for Canadians.

Can you tell us a few words about yourself, please?

Mine is a very Canadian story – my parents immigrated to Canada from India for the freedom to marry, and Canada gave them that. I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and have lived, worked, and studied all over the world. I am a career diplomat and have served as Canada’s ambassador to the Czech Republic since 2019. And like many of the readers of your magazine, aside from my professional role, I am also a parent and a spouse.

Was becoming ambassador your dream profession?

I have always been passionate about the human dimensions of international affairs, and knew early on that I wanted to work on issues around peace, security, equality, and human rights. As a child of immigrants, studying the world was also a way to connect to my family’s culture and history. My specific interest in human rights is, I think, in my DNA. My grandmother was organizing peace meetings for Mahatma Gandhi in 1940s India, and well into her 70s she was still

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso;

Photo: Archive

active in areas around disability rights and other issues. And so, my role models from a young age demonstrated a value in public service and equality.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve Canada at this level, and an opportunity for me to contribute to a country that has given me and my family so much opportunity. That being said, when I joined the Canadian foreign service over 20 years ago I did not think about becoming an ambassador. In practical terms, “you cannot be what you cannot see”, and at that time there frankly weren’t many role models for me - women with children with my ethnic background, doing this work at this level. That has changed. Today, fifty per cent of Canada’s ambassadors are women – experienced, skilled diplomats who are also women.

You have been serving in our country for three years now. What common points between the Czechs and Canadians do you see?

There are so many highlights to my time here, underscored by our strong people-to-people links and shared priorities in areas like defense and security. I could speak about our shared love of hockey, or the many impressive leaders I have met across sectors, including in business, NGOs, culture, and academia. Most of my posting has been during the challenging periods of the pandemic, followed by the shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During these times I have been reminded over and over again how lucky I am to be serving as Canada’s ambassador to the Czech Republic. When I arrived in 2019, I was struck by the genuine friendship and warm feelings that Czechs have for Canada and for Canadians. Those demonstrations of friendship and support, big and small, continued during the pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, I remember our Czech colleague arriving at the embassy with hand-sewn masks for all of us. Like so many Czechs he and his family wanted to ensure that friends and neighbors stayed healthy and safe. More recently, I have been genuinely moved by the generosity of thousands of Czechs who opened their homes to Ukrainians. Canada of course joins the Czech Republic in its strong support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. At the embassy, we have also tried to do our part – from volunteering our time to fix furniture and clean a garden space to help Ukrainian families feel a bit more comfortable and at home, to supporting Canada’s special visa program for Ukrainians, which allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe to return home.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador? Among the most difficult parts of diplomatic life is being far from home. While this life offers amazing professional and personal opportunities, including the chance to really be immersed in different cultures, languages, and traditions, it is tough to be away from family. This is something that I know many of us have felt during the pandemic, when we were unable to travel for health and safety reasons.

As an experienced diplomat, what advice do you have for the next generation of ambassadors? My advice would be to remain curious. Expose yourself to new people and ideas that challenge you and may even make you uncomfortable. I learned early on in my career the value of including diverse voices in analysis and decision-making. Among my first jobs in Ottawa was working in the area of Women, Peace, and Security. Through early work with Afghan women peacebuilders, I learned concretely how insights from those who were generally not part of formal decision-making tables could benefit communities and help me do my job better. Now, more than ever, diverse perspectives and diverse networks are key to finding innovative, durable solutions to the global problems we all confront.

Can you evaluate the status of Czechia-Canada relations? Canada and the Czech Republic are friends, partners, and allies with vibrant political, trade, investment, security, academic, and cultural relations. We have a strong, positive, and productive bilateral relationship, based on shared values, as well as on our people-to-people ties, including the more than 100,000 Canadians with some Czech heritage. The warm welcome offered by Canada to Czechoslovak political refugees in 1948 and 1968, steadfast support for dissidents throughout the Communist period, as well as the support provided by Canada in the early 1990s when the Czech Republic was quickly modernizing, all bolster the bilateral relationship. Canada and the Czech Republic regularly cooperate in multilateral organizations, we are strong NATO allies, and we share many common values including support for human rights and democracy. To give two concrete examples, the Czech Republic is a member of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) intergovernmental network, which works to promote the human rights of LGBTI persons globally, and which Canada co-chaired from 2017 to 2019. The Czech Republic is also

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. AYESHA P. REKHI, AMBASSADOR OF CANADA

a member of the 50-member Media Freedom Coalition, which is co-chaired by Canada and advocates for media freedom and the protection of journalists.

On defense and security, Canada was one of the first countries to support the Czech Republic’s accession to NATO in 1999, which led to closer defense cooperation.

Today, our soldiers serve shoulder-to-shoulder in the Canada-led multinational NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. And both our countries are among the leading supporters of Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable attack. Canada, alongside the Czech Republic, is steadfast and strong in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

The presidency of the Czech Republic in the EU Council began on 1 July this year. What are you, as a representative of your country, which is a G7 and NATO member, expecting?

Canada and the EU enjoy long-standing friendship and cooperation rooted in a shared commitment to stand up for the ideals of democracy, international security, and prosperity. The EU is a strategic partner for Canada, and we are keen to cooperate with the Czech Republic during the Czech EU Council Presidency on various files of common

interest. Thanks to the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), we are now working more closely with the EU than ever across the whole policy spectrum, including of course working together on supporting Ukraine.

In the fall we will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the CETA provisional application. Since CETA came into provisional force, we have seen a renaissance in the Canadian-Czech bilateral commercial relationship, with real mutual benefit.

COVID slowed down the exchange significantly, but we already see an important uptick. In 2021, bilateral trade increased by 24.7% to reach the highest level of the past decade. In the January-May 2022 period, bilateral trade in creased by a further 21% compared to the same period of time in 2021. This is a shared success that we will continue to grow.

Can we conclude with your wish for our countries, Canada and Czechia?

The months ahead will continue to have their challenges for both of our countries, and my hope is that we continue to strengthen our partnership and cooperation so that we come closer to our shared goal of a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful future for us all.

A true media professional has only one master – the reader

Not many people know Czech media better than Veselin Vačkov, the managing editor of the country’s oldest daily LIDOVÉ NOVINY. A quarter of a century ago, he started writing for the paper as a foreign correspondent from the Balkans and the UK. Later, he went through several editorial positions to end up at the very top one in 1999. Surprisingly, he made a career in Czech media without being Czech himself. Born in Bulgaria, he came to Prague in the late eighties to study at Charles University. He continued his studies at Oxford University, and achieved a PhD degree in computational linguistics. Today, he does not regret his decision to substitute academia for the newsroom. He believes strict professionalism is the answer to the challenges and pressures the media faces today: “A media pro has only one master - the reader, viewer, or listener.”

With his wife Blanka on this year’s Karlovy Vary film festival

You started a career in academia but then changed direction. What made you become a journalist and editor?

I feel a huge respect towards scholars and scientists. Both my parents were university professors. However, working in academia seemed to my younger self in the nineties a bit too solitary and lacking clear perspective. Journalism – especially back then – offered much more dopamine. Yet, my academic training influenced my approach to journalism. I have always been interested in the power of

language. As a scholar I studied the way it is structured and generated, while as a journalist I use its potential to influence people’s thinking. Especially in Europe, languages are absolutely central to our culture and identities. Working in journalism for me is an experiment in applied sociolinguistics. I really enjoy it.

You run the oldest Czech newspaper, but you are not Czech. How did you master the language? I came to Prague in 1988 to study at Charles University.

VAČKOV, MANAGING EDITOR,

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

I was almost 20 years old then, and did not speak a word of Czech. In theory, it was too late to achieve native speaker’s proficiency at this age. It took a lot of hard work, and apparently a grain of talent. I spent one whole prep year at a Czech language academy run by the university. After school, I regularly bought the evening newspaper “Večerní Praha” and read the whole of it, including the sports and crime sections. This helped me a lot. Socializing with my Czech schoolmates was also crucial.

You started working for LIDOVÉ NOVINY in the nineties. How much have the newspaper and the mass media as a whole changed since then? Do you feel it was a change for the better?

When I started working in the newsroom, the paper was black and white, and the internet was something only geeks were interested in. Under my watch, LIDOVÉ NOVINY moved into full colour print, launched several supplements, magazines, and most importantly the news site Lidovky.cz. The internet and the digital distribution of news content were game changers in the industry. Unfortunately, old media embraced the internet without any clear business plans, giving away valuable content for free and not investing in technology. Tech giants inva ded the media market and rewrote the rules. Old media houses lost revenue and influence. At first, it was heralded by many as a process of democratization of the media landscape. Today we know that it had a downside – fake news, atomization of the society, political discord.

You don’t sound very optimistic.

Not at all. Many consumers rediscover the value of quality journalism done in newsrooms with rules, standards, and responsibility. Yes, it is costly and not all content can be offered for free. More and more readers are willing to pay for good content on the internet. We offer a subscription on our website Lidovky.cz as part of the iDNES Premium paid service. The total number of its subscribers surpassed one hundred thousand in April. This makes me optimistic about the future of traditional media brands.

What is your role as managing editor?

I have one foot in the editorial office and the other in the publishing house. Together with the chief editor, I set the agenda on a weekly and daily basis: which main stories we are going to pursue or who we are going to interview, what will end up on the front page, or what should be the paper’s position on important issues. Sometimes I even choose front-page photos and the main headline. This is the part of my job I still immensely enjoy after so many years.

The rest of my responsibilities concern the bottom line of all the media, under the brand of LIDOVÉ NOVINY: the printed newspaper, the website Lidovky.cz, and our magazines Pátek and Esprit. It means taking care of hiring and firing, marketing plans, events, important advertising clients, etc. As LIDOVÉ NOVINY is part of MAFRA, one of the biggest media groups in the country, many of

these activities are shared between brands. This makes coordination even more important.

During your long career, the owners of the newspaper have changed several times. How difficult is it to resist the owners’ pressure and defend journalistic integrity? Do you sometimes feel like you are in Carlo Goldoni’s comedy “The Servant of Two Masters“?

A true media professional has only one master – the reader. Owners and editors come and go, media brands remain. LIDOVÉ NOVINY is a strong legacy brand, and our readers have very clear expectations. If we do not meet them, the readers will simply leave us. No owner or editor wants this.

In your opinion, will print survive? Will there be printed media 25 years from now?

The future is digital. In the last 25 years, I have observed the rise of digital media and it is unstoppable. This doesn’t necessarily mean that print will totally disappear. For example, well-profiled niche magazines like yours will be around for many years to come. Printed daily newspapers are in a more difficult situation. For them, digital transfor mation is the key. 25 years from now, there may not be a printed LIDOVÉ NOVINY anymore, but I’m positive that its media brand will exist in different form.

Can you give some advice to the next generation of journalists?

I would prefer not to. I was given no advice myself and learned the craft by experience. This is the best way for anyone who really wants to be a journalist.

The Czech Republic took over the presidency of the EU Council in July. It is an important and demanding task for the Czech government. How do you expect it will be handled?

The EU presidency could be a white elephant for any national government – it is big and prestigious, but the maintenance costs are rather high. I do not mean the financial costs, but the political ones. If the government becomes too preoccupied with European matters, the voters may gain the impression that it does not care enough for domestic issues. Especially in dire economic times as the ones we live in. To answer your question, I believe the Czech government, and especially the Czech diplomats, will handle the presidency well. The more interesting question for me is - what will the political costs be?

What do you do in your free time?

I am a long-distance runner – figuratively and literally. I run almost every morning, five or six times per week to be more precise. I used to run marathons and half marathons in the past, but later on I adapted my routine to my age and time constraints. Now, I run shorter tracks but on a regular basis. The body and mind benefits are immense. In addition, my wife and I are frequent opera and cinemagoers.

INTERVIEW WITH VESELIN VAČKOV, MANAGING EDITOR, LIDOVÉ NOVINY

MOLDOVA is a European country with European values

Mr. Alexandru Codreanu started his mandate as Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the Czech Republic two years ago. Among many other assignments, including positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, he has represented his country in Hungary, to the Holy See, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and worked with the OSCE Mission in Tajikistan.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ALEXANDRU CODREANU, AMBASSADOR OF MOLDOVA

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

The major achievement of which Moldova takes pride in was attained this year on 23 June: the European Council granted Moldova the EU candidate status. “The Republic of Moldova is firmly determined to remain part of the free world. International support for the European future of Moldova is, and will be, highly appreciated,” the Ambassador expresses in gratitude.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your diplo matic career?

I joined the diplomatic service of my country three decades ago, soon after the independence of the Republic of Moldova was proclaimed. On my part, this required further graduation studies in the field of international relations, as well as additional diplomatic training during my first years at the Foreign Ministry. Over the years, I have had many opportunities to promote the interests of the Republic of Moldova in the multilateral and bilateral cooperation settings, including on various assignments at the Ministry´s headquarters in Chișinău, the capital city of Moldova, and in diplomatic missions abroad. For my diplomatic mission in Prague I am accompanied by my wife Svetlana, since my adult son, Dinu is already settled down with his own family.

How long have you been in the Czech Republic and what is your impression of it?

I presented my letters of credence to the President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Miloš Zeman, in October 2020, two years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed the welcoming attitude and cooperation of the Czech officials and people. I have had several opportunities to discover the rich heritage of the country, both in Prague and in other regions. Since the entire world has been struggling with the pandemic over the last two years, I appreciated the solidarity and sup portive approach of the Czech partners towards Moldova in these challenging times, when humanitarian aid was provided for the healthcare sector in my country. However, my current mission is not my first encounter with beautiful Czechia. Several years ago, I already had the opportunity to visit here, though briefly, as part of the Moldovan governmental delegation. I also attended the

spring OSCE Forum at the Czernin Palace, and, on a diffe rent occasion, as a tourist, had spent a wonderful Christ mas holiday in Prague with my family.

Your country has made long-term efforts to join the European Union. How do you evaluate the process so far?

Moldova is firmly determined to remain part of the free world. The freedom and the dignity of our people make us a country with a strong European identity, which we deeply value. Moldova is a European country, with a European language, a European history, and a European political system.

The Republic of Moldova has had European aspirations since its independence was declared on 27 August 1991. Three years later, the EU-Moldova Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed. In 2014, the EUMoldova Association Agreement, including a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, strengthened Moldova’s political and economic ties with the European Union even more. By signing this agreement, Moldova committed to reforming its domestic policies based on EU laws and practices. In April 2014, Moldova became the first country in the Eastern Partnership to benefit from a visafree regime. Since then, more than 2.5 million Moldovan citizens with a biometric passport have travelled to the Schengen Area without a visa, which has fostered tourism, business relations, and people-to-people contacts.

…and the most important advancement took place this year…

Certainly. In March, the Republic of Moldova submitted the application for membership of the European Union, and on 23 June 2022 the European Council granted us the candidate status. The Council will decide on further steps, including opening of accession negotiations, once all conditions specified in the Commission‘s opinion on the membership application are fully met. The fact that the Moldova candidate status decision was taken quite soon after its application clearly reveals the support of all EU member states for the European perspec tive of my country.

I believe the Czech Republic belongs among these supporting EU countries. Can you explain some benefits resulting from Moldova’s integration into the EU?

Indeed, the Czech support for Moldova’s efforts to join the European Union was clearly stated during the official visit of the Moldovan Minister of Foreign affairs and European

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ALEXANDRU CODREANU, AMBASSADOR OF MOLDOVA

Integration, Nicu Popescu, to Prague in May 2022. The Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavský, also emphasized that Moldova`s European aspirations will be supported during the Czech Republic’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022.

By carrying out this ambitious EU integration agenda, the Republic of Moldova benefits from substantial EU support. The European Union supports Moldova on its democratic path, the aspirations of our people to live in peace and prosperity, integrating the country into the EU single mar ket, and enhancing sectoral cooperation. Some important effects refer to the increased diversification of markets for Moldova’s exports, with access to the enormous EU market. The EU is by far Moldova’s main trading partner, and accounts for 56% of its total trade - around 63% of Moldovan exports are destined for the EU market. It is also the largest investor in the country. Moldovan citizens are enjoying the visa liberalization for short-term stays.

How would you describe the status of CzechiaMoldova relations?

Diplomatic relations between our states were established 30 years ago, on 1 June 1992. We have enjoyed an excellent development of our mutual relations over the past three decades. The recent visits to Prague and to Chișinău by the two foreign ministers, Nicu Popescu and Jan Lipavský, highlighted the existing relations of friendship and very good cooperation. The interparliamentary dialogue is advancing as well, including planned visits at the level of the Speaker of the Parliament.

As I have already mentioned, another significant area of cooperation is the Czech support for Moldova’s efforts to join the European Union. In this regard, Prague will be visited by several Moldovan high-level delegations during the Czech Republic’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022. Indeed, an important aspect of my mandate as Ambassador in Prague is to enhance the Czech support for the European future of Moldova. Bilateral trade and investment have increased over the years. The volume of Moldovan-Czech trade reached

194 million USD in 2021. The biggest Czech investment in the Republic of Moldova is a major company in the energy sector.

The Republic of Moldova is one of the priority countries for the Czech development assistance, focused on the sustainable management of natural resources, good governance, inclusive social development, agriculture, and rural development. The Moldovan authorities appreciated also the valuable Czech aid to meet challenges of the large inflow of Ukrainian refugees in our country in recent months.

On this occasion, let me reiterate that the Republic of Moldova has condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, is providing help to the refugees from the neighboring Ukraine and will continue with humanita rian support.

The presidency of the Czech Republic in the EU Council started on 1 July 2022. What are you, as a representative of your country, expecting?

We appreciate the continuing Czech support for Moldova`s European aspirations. Following the recent decision to grant Moldova the EU candidate status, there will be a more active participation of Moldovan officials at the Czech presidency events. In July, Moldovan officials attended the informal meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs (EU JHA) ministers, the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union, and the Eastern Partnership Youth Conference. A major result was the launch of the “EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova” by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and the Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs, in the margins of the informal EU JHA. The Embassy is anticipating the participation of the Foreign Minister and other Moldovan officials and experts at the EU meetings hosted by the Czech Republic during the forthcoming months of 2022.

This interview is taken on the occasion of the National Day of Moldova. Can you share your wishes for both Moldova and Czechia?

The Republic of Moldova declared its independence on 27 August 1991. Since then, Moldova has consolidated its democratic political system, developed its international relations, and made significant advances towards its Eu ropean future. The June 2022 European Council decision to grant the candidate status to Moldova is the most important progress of the year.

I wish the Republic of Moldova and its citizens much success on our European path and the fulfillment of our aspirations to live in peace and prosperity. I wish for the Czech Republic to accomplish its EU Presidency objectives, and also wish peace and wellbeing for its citizens.

H.E. Mr. Alexandru Codreanu, Ambassador of Moldova with his wife

We can handle everything

because we stick together

It is a natural need of a human being to have a safe, supportive place where you can relax, express yourself freely, and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Many Czech entrepreneurs have found such an inspiring oasis at Prague´s Wenceslas Square, on the premises of the Prague Business Club, which was founded 20 years ago by Luboš Drobík. How did it all start? What is the mission of the Club and its founder? And is it still possible to improve the club after 20 years of its successful existence?

Nowadays, the Prague Business Club hosts over 100 club discussion dinners a year. Is this what you were planning at the beginning?

I didn’t really plan anything about the club that much at the beginning, I did not even plan to start it in the first place. The best things in life seem to come to you by accident. Just as a woman enters your life and becomes your destiny, so did the club enter my life and become mine. It happened twenty years ago, when, as a family, we rented a beautiful villa in Bubeneč, Prague, and realized that some great events could be held there. Talking about it, I feel like it was only yesterday, but looking at my own face in the mirror proves me wrong.

So, you had a great place for meetings, waiting for the first guests to arrive. Who did you invite?

Good question because I can tell you that, at the very beginning, this wasn’t an easy part at all.

I didn’t have any personal contact with famous people, and I didn’t really know whom to invite. Then I remembered that I used to play football as a student for Tatran Střešovice sports club, and a certain Pavel Bém, the mayor of Prague 6 at the time, played with me. So, I invited him as the main guest. But still, I didn’t know whom to invite as participants in the meeting. I decided to open the Yellow Pages, because the Internet wasn’t quite there yet, and started with the letter A. I mean, I simply started inviting all the business owners who ran a business activity starting with A, e.g. automobile repair shops and antenna manufacturers, and the (hall) capacity for our event quickly filled up. And it

was great fun when they found out at the meeting that almost everyone was doing the same thing. (laughter)

Twenty years of the club have passed. How are you doing today? We gradually became more professional and started inviting representatives from other fields of business, and much more interesting main guests. I remember my audacity when I decided to invite a government minister for the first time. I found an email for the minister, and, then and there, sent an invitation saying that “a top prestigious club invites you to a debate”. And it went well, the meetings got better and better, and we finally started selling memberships. Today, I think we are really the most prestigious club in the Czech Republic. Since the beginning, we have organized more than two thousand meetings. I personally know almost everyone in this country, and I am extremely happy to be at our club meetings and to soak up the wisdom of all the main guests who come here with their topics.

Can you tell us who your members are, and what benefits they gain by joining the club? They are primarily owners of Czech companies. They are great people who have achieved something and find their equals in the club. You know, it is not easy at all to be the owner of a successful company. You immediately become the center of attention, people cling to you who want to take a piece of your success and money, and others envy you and do not

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Prague Business Club

INTERVIEW WITH LUBOŠ DROBÍK, OWNER AND PRESIDENT OF THE PRAGUE BUSINESS CLUB

56 Luboš Drobík with Petr Kolář and Petr Pavel

Václav Havel

wish you success. You feel quite alone, and develop a desire to connect with someone who is going through similar things in their life. And our club is the place where you can find such people. Here, no one envies anything, no one bothers anyone, and no one pushes their products and services on others. You feel that you are in a place with others like you. It’s like you’re coming home, among your own kind of people. You belong here and feel the friendship and support of others.

There certainly is great value in meeting likeminded people in person. How did you survive the online COVID era?

You’re right. It is proven that the more social connections you have, the happier your life is. With the Prague Business Club, I create space for these ties to develop, and I am really happy when members come to me and say that, thanks to the club, they got to know this or that person, and together they did this or that. I can see how important the club is to them and that is the best reward for me. COVID has disrupted our personal meetings a lot. We couldn’t be together for almost seven months, and only met online once a week, always with a guest. However, the members are very loyal and have supported their club financially, so today we are back at full strength, and going full throttle with almost 150 events in one year. We gained the important experience that this is not something that should be taken for granted. We value our meetings more, and are grateful that we can meet. Everything is so fragile, and the COVID crisis showed us that. Now, there are other challenges again, like the war in Ukraine or the energy crisis, but now I know that we can handle it all. We stick together.

Is it possible to find new ways to further develop the club’s activities, even after twenty years?

Of course. I am a person who is constantly full of new ideas and challenges. During these past twenty years I have always felt that I am at the beginning, and that there are many things ahead waiting to be realized. Twenty years were added to the book of my life, the club gave me a lot, and, of course, took something away. But I have learnt that my mission is to connect people. Right now, we are creating club sections for members based on their interests. So, we are launching a gourmet section for wine and good food lovers, an investment section for investors, a golf club section for golfers, etc. Everyone has the opportunity to further develop and enjoy their hobbies and their own interests. There is still a lot of room to explore. I think we are unique, and we want to be even better.

It looks like you have found your calling in life. Do you have a message for Czech entrepreneurs?

If I can tell them something, I would say: Please, do your business consciously, as a service not only to your family and ego but also to your employees and the whole of our beautiful Czech country. Remember to give a large part of your profit to non-profit projects that cultivate society and help others achieve a better and happier life. It is always advisable to be aware of our finite existence, and the fact that we cannot take our success to the afterlife. Always conduct business honestly and ethically. Don´t be afraid to lose, and put up with a little (difficulty) sometimes. We are not here to fight and destroy others, but to cooperate as much as possible and work for a higher cause – not only for money, which is always fleeting anyway.

Hard-working Vietnamese people INTEGRATE ever more SUCCESSFULLY

According to official estimates, there are now around 96,000 Vietnamese people living in the Czech Republic. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung, Ambassador of Vietnam, describes the community as “industrious, tolerant, hard-working, dynamic, creative, and extraordinarily studious”, and, based on my experience as a Czech person, I fully agree with him. In this interview, Mr. Dung offers an insight into his positive feelings about our country, the local Vietnamese community´s support for people in need, the development of the tourism industry in Vietnam, and the bilateral trade opportunities for businesses of both countries.

How long have you been in the Czech Republic? Can you please share some of your impressions?

I am a diplomat with over 35 years of experience working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Czech Republic in July 2020. The first impression I noticed is that Prague is an ancient, beautiful capital, filled with so many spectacular monuments and stunning architecture like Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge. Besides Prague, I also visited some other cities in the Czech Republic such as Karlovy Vary, Brno, and Ostrava. The more I learn in terms of history, architecture, culture, and cuisine, the more I am amazed by the cultural and historical landscapes and friendly people here. After spending over two years in the Czech Republic, it goes without saying that it is one of the safest and most beautiful countries I ever had the chance to live in. Czech people are modest, pleasant, friendly… and also very enthusiastic when it comes to festivals. In summary, the Czech Republic is a country worth living in and has many aspects to explore.

There is a big Vietnamese community in our country. How do you evaluate their situation here?

I can say that the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic is one of solidarity and responsibility, complying with local laws, gradually overcoming language barriers and thus integrating more deeply, widely, and sustainably. In 2013, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic was recognized by the Czech government as an ethnic minority in the Czech Republic. The community´s willingness to share local difficulties and contribute to Czech society is highly appreciated by common Czechs as well as the local authorities, and the Vietnamese are being recognized as a community that brings many benefits to the Czech Republic. Most of the Vietnamese here have jobs and stable incomes, their children are well educated, and many have been very successful in the business environment.

Can you give some concrete examples of how the Vietnamese in the Czech Republic benefit our society?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, from the very beginning, the Vietnamese community across the Czech Republic has shown solidarity and actively supported the local authorities and people as a response to the pandemic.

Let me mention things like donating face masks, medical supplies, cash, and providing free meals and drinks for the pandemic prevention and control forces. Another example is donating essential consumer goods and cash to the people of Southern Moravia, who suffered serious damage from a tornado at the end of June 2021.

Since the war in Ukraine broke out in February of this year, which led to the humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees from Ukraine escaping to Europe, the Vietnamese community has promptly implemented several activities to support the refugees, both Vietnamese and Ukrainian. A committee has been established by the Embassy of Vietnam and the Association of the Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic to help evacuate Vietnamese fleeing war zones in Ukraine. The committee has regularly updated the latest regulations and instructions set out by the governments of Czechia, Ukraine’s neighboring countries, and the EU on the entry of those from Ukraine. Announcements have been published by the committee on the official website of the Vietnamese Embassy and on social media in order to help them better understand local rules.

The committee has raised nearly 20,000 EUR, which was spent on food, medicine, and other necessities for those fleeing to Poland and Romania. Additionally, it has collected donations of food, drinking water, blankets, clothes, and medicine from local people for the needy people from Ukraine. Many expats have voluntarily driven the Ukrainian Vietnamese from the borders with Ukraine to temporary shelters in Czechia, while others have given accommodation and food.

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

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. THAI XUAN DUNG, AMBASSADOR OF VIETNAM

How to holiday in Vietnam

Frequently visited and highly recommended by international tourists are, for example, these locations:

Ha Long Bay - for its emerald waters and more than 1,600 limestone towers and islands topped by rainforests. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. The place is ranked fifth among the ten most beautiful places around the world in 2022, according to Canadian travel site The Travel.

Quang Binh - for its natural caves and mountainous interior, with Son Doong Cavethe world’s largest natural cave settled deep within the remote and well-preserved jungles of central Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The New York Times listed Son Doong Cave as the 8th among 52 must-go destinations in 2014. In 2019, the cave ranked 3rd in the 11 amazing attractions by the leading tourism magazine Telegraph.

Hue - for its royal mausoleums, imperial citadel, and iconic pagodas, Sapa - for its towering peaks, steep rice terraces, and picturesque villages, Nha Trang - for its picturesque beaches, which offer a backdrop of towering rock cliffs and are stunningly beautiful, Mekong Delta - for its vast rice fields and innumerable waterways, Phu Quoc - for its white powder beaches, turquoise waters, palm tree forests, mountains, and waterfalls,

On top of that, the Vietnamese cuisine is distinctive, with a unique fusion of ingredients, and it is very affordable and easy to buy.

Tourists can choose from a wide variety of food like Phở - a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup cooked in chicken, beef, or even vegetarian broth, Bánh Cuốn - a scrumptious roll made from rice flour with a hearty filling of pork, mushrooms and shrimp, topped with some crunchy onions, Bún Chảa combination of sliced pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh garden herbs, and fish sauce, Bún Bò - a symphony of textures prepared with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and chilli peppers.

Firstly, I would like to appreciate the fact that Czech people choose Vietnam as one of their holiday destinations.

Recently, Vietnam‘s tourism industry has been putting all of its efforts into restoring its operations after a long struggle of being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam is one of the six countries that achieved the highest COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates in the world. Back in time, 20 years ago, Vietnam was not a popular destination for tourists. The situation has changed significantly in recent years. At the moment, besides the big known cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, other provinces have also gradually renovated their landscapes, infrastructures, and customer services to become a favorite holiday destination for tourists from across the globe.

The campaign “Live fully in Vietnam” was created to help promote Vietnam’s outstanding values of culture, heritage, and landscapes, as well as the premium services of Vietnam tourism, offering international visitors a full experience in Vietnam. Besides, we also focus on implementing digital technology to improve the efficiency of our promotion activities and ensure safe tourism. In particular, we will continue promoting tourism in Vietnam via digital platforms such as websites and social networks. In addition to online activities, in 2022, Vietnam’s tourism industry will organize and participate in international industry events and fairs to reconnect with international tourist markets and target key markets in Europe, such as the Czech Republic. At the same time, programs will be deployed to promote Vietnam‘s tourism on major international media channels such as CNN and CNBC. We are ready to welcome the wave of tourism recovery and all Czech friends in Vietnam now, in 2022.

What is the status of Czechia-Vietnam relations?

The Czech Republic and Vietnam enjoy a traditional and long-lasting relationship, established over the past 70 years, that is constantly being consolidated and developed in all fields. The Czech Republic is one of Vietnam’s priority partners in Central Eastern Europe. The two sides have maintained regular exchanges through hundreds of delegations at all levels, and a variety of other means. Our countries have maintained regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation to implement economic cooperation activities since 2006. The most recent one was successfully held in Prague on 29-30 June 2022, with the signing of a protocol of the 7th meeting. Those exchanges and meetings have contributed to further promoting political and diplomatic relations, expanding economic trade and investment relations, and also promoting cooperation in the field of security, defense, education-training, and encouraging discussions on international and regional issues of mutual concern. Figures presented at the seventh meeting show that bilateral trade between Czechia and

Vietnam has reached the record value of 2.0 billion USD in 2021, a major increase of 37.9% in comparison to 2020. The Czech Republic currently has 41 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of more than $92 million, ranking 49 among 139 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, focusing on the fields of real estate, beer, electrical equipment, building materials, etc. Recently, Czech businesses have been very interested in the Vietnamese market in the fields of traffic and its supporting industries, production of automobiles and spare parts, electric railway cars, beer and wine, cyber security, defense industry, etc. In addition, Vietnamese businessmen in the Czech Republic are also quite successful, and make a significant contribution to promoting trade and investment cooperation between our countries, thereby promoting economic relations between Vietnam and the European Union.

I assume the cooperation with the EU as a whole and the Czech Republic as a member country go hand in hand, am I right?

Sure, the implementation of the EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) has brought many benefits to Vietnamese-EU businesses and people, including the Czech Republic. The EVFTA and EVIPA (Investment Protection Agreement), approved by the Czech parliament, are of strategic importance to economic, trade, and investment cooperation, not only between Vietnam and the EU but also between Vietnam and the Czech Republic. The agreements will help Czech and EU businesses access the market of nearly 100 million people - a young market with 65% of people under 35 years of age, very dynamic, creative, and knowledgeable. Besides, Vietnam will be the door for Czech enterprises to access ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and East Asian markets in the near future.

We can see that the mutual relations of our countries are friendly and on the right track. What else can we wish for?

You are right. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 2 February 1950, the relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic have been cultivated by generations of leaders and people of the two countries, and have continuously flourished, becoming traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation relations. Although I am more than 10,000 kilometers away from Vietnam now, I still feel close and cozy like at home because we have such a strong and close relationship. Now, I am very proud to call the Czech Republic my second homeland.

And for that friendship and strong foundation, may I wish the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic to continue to strengthen, develop, and achieve greater heights; and also prosperity and happiness for the citizens of both countries.

Vietnam is gaining more and more attention from the Czech people as a holiday destination. How do you promote your country?

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. THAI XUAN DUNG, AMBASSADOR OF VIETNAM

National Day of VIETNAM

Hundreds of people – politicians, diplomats, business people, and the Vietnamese community – celebrated the event. The Ambassador H.E. Thai Xuan Dung, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic Mr. Martin Tlapa all made special speeches for the occasion.

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

From left: H.E. Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Martin Tlapa, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Nguyen Thien Nga, spouse of Ambassador Thai Xuan Dung, and H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung, Ambassador of Vietnam

On the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Ambassador H.E. Thai Xuan Dung and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thien Nga held a reception at the Grandior Hotel Prague

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

From left: Ms. Farashima Aini binti Mohd Ali, Charge d’Affaires a.i./Counsellor, Embassy of Malaysia, H.E. Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana, Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Martin Tlapa, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, Ambassador of Indonesia, Ms. Indhira C. Bañares, Charge d’Affaires a.i./Minister, Embassy of the Philippines, and Ms. Nguyen Dieu Linh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister-Counsellor Embassy of Vietnam

From left: H.E. Mr. Shahzad Gul Aryobee, Ambassador of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Egemen Bağış, Ambassador of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung, Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Ilirian Kuka, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Mr. Hemant Kotalwar, Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Pasi Olavi Tuominen, Ambassador of Finland (right up), and H.E. Mr. Said Hindam, Ambassador of Egypt (right down)

DIPLOMACY is irreplaceable for building an understanding among peoples

The Ambassador of Armenia to the Czech Republic, Mr. Ashot Hovakimian, joined the diplomatic service immediately after his country gained independence, meaning exactly 31 years ago. “One can never overestimate the significance of the diplomatic service for building an understanding among peoples, and this service requires 24/7 dedication,” he is still convinced of the high importance of his work for humanity. A powerful message from the representative of a country that had experienced a horrible genocide in the past, and currently suffers from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

You have many years of experience in diplomacy. Can you share some of your assignments with us, please?

I joined the diplomatic service immediately after Armenia gained independence. As a specialist in Balkan and Slavic Studies, I was invited for consultations with the newly established Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, from which I received a proposal to join the diplomatic service. Since then, I have been posted to many diplomatic missions.

Among my first assignments was Greece, where I opened the Armenian Embassy in 1993. Then followed Poland, where I served as an Ambassador for almost eight years, simultaneously covering Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Directly from Poland, I was transferred to Austria, where my mission lasted for over five years. From Vienna, I served as a non-resident Ambassador to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as Permanent Representative of Armenia to the OSCE and the international organizations based in Vienna. After Vienna, in 2011, I returned to Armenia, where I was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and served in this capacity until my appointment as the Ambassador to the Czech Republic at the beginning of 2019. I am currently a non-resident Ambassador to four other countries: Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Montenegro, and I have recently been appointed also to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How would you describe your work to future ambassadors?

One cannot overestimate the significance of the diplomatic service in the sense of building a viable statehood. It is not just meant to establish means of communication with the governments of other countries but is in actuality the most powerful tool in presenting your country, your people, and your culture to the outer world. It is a means to attaining understanding and acknowledgement on the part of others, and, in this sense, it goes way beyond the simple function of communication, becoming an irreplaceable tool for building understanding among peoples, promoting human rights and universal values.

This service requires 24/7 dedication, and at times diplomats and their families are exposed to all types of extreme pressure. This pressure is multiplied in the case of Ambassadors, who not only have to act on the frontline but also take responsibility for their team. So, I advise the upcoming generation of Ambassadors to make sure they understand the whole scope of responsibility that rests on their shoulders.

You have been posted in Czechia for over three years now. How do you see our current relations?

As I mentioned, this is not the first time I am accredited as Armenia’s Ambassador to Czechia, to which I served as a non-resident Ambassador from Austria for several years

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA

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

before. Of course, being a resident Ambassador opens up more possibilities for enhancing the political dialogue we enjoy with the Czech Republic.

We see Czechia as a like-minded country, with which we not only share the same humanistic values but also relations, which are anchored on sustained democratic traditions, historical friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats. In the bilateral dimension, we have quite active interparliamentary cooperation, as well as an ongoing inter-governmental cooperation framework with an inter-governmental commission on economic issues, operating through regular sessions and discussions.

Armenia and Czechia also have mutually beneficial cooperation within multilateral formats, including the UN, OSCE, and CoE. This is extensively complemented by the Armenia-EU cooperation framework, including the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. The active role taken up by the Czech Republic in promoting the EU Eastern Partnership framework is commendable, and we stand ready to join efforts in further maintaining this cooperation platform.

Are your expectations for the future equally positive in this regard?

We see an untapped potential in further deepening our cooperation with the Czech Republic both in the bilateral and multilateral formats, as well as within the framework of the European Union, whilst the Czech presidency of the EU Council is an additional asset to this end.

Armenia is keen to work towards not only expanding the political agenda but also fostering educational and intercultural exchanges, and activating the mobility between the peoples of our countries in terms of tourism, promoting trade and mutual investments.

We are also keen to work towards joint endeavors in the spheres of IT and high-tech solutions, a field full of potential and aspirations for both of our countries.

Next year we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Czechia, and this will be a good opportunity for re-evaluating and further enhancing our dialogue in all fields of mutual interest.

The Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the Czech Republic quite recently, at the end of July. What does this visit indicate?

We have established good traditions of cooperation on the level of Foreign Ministries. The most recent visit of our Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, indicates the reciprocal willingness of both sides to further promote bilateral political dialogue and cooperation within the European dimension, amid Czechia assuming the Presidency of the EU Council.

We are thankful to the Czech Republic for its approach to humanistic issues of importance, not only for the Armenian people but also for humanity in general. Both chambers of the Parliament of the Czech Republic have officially condemned and recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Czech parliamentarians were also among those who explicitly raised their voice on the issue of the Armenian prisoners of war remaining in Azerbaijani custody. The Czech side has also been a supporter of the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, which plays a key role in reaching a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

You are also acting as an Ambassador to Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. How can you manage so many countries?

It is my “motto” to create a new, more comprehensive image of the status of a non-resident Ambassador. I travel to each of the non-resident countries at least 4-5 times a year, combining official meetings with cultural and economic events, organizing different receptions, and providing a chance for a better understanding of my country, its politics, its economic possibilities, alongside creating a strong bridge between our friendly states. Some state officials even sometimes joke, telling me that I meet them more frequently than some of the resident Ambassadors do. Our task is to discuss, research, find mutually beneficial areas for our cooperation, and do our best for their further development. Of course, sometimes many things overlap - you cannot be present simultaneously in the different countries, and you have to choose your priorities – but, very often, personal contacts and my knowledge of the languages of the region prove helpful.

Turkey and Azerbaijan are not among the countries where diplomatic relations were established by Armenia. Would you like to give us a picture of this situation?

Since proclaiming its independence 31 years ago, the Republic of Armenia, following the principles of universal values, has been building its statehood and active communication with the outside world. We have joined and actively participated in the work of around two-dozen international organizations, and established diplomatic relations with around 180 countries. Turkey and Azerbaijan are not among those countries due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The border between Armenia and Turkey was unilaterally closed by Turkey in the early 1990s. As you probably know, the special representatives have now been appointed for the normalization process and a few meetings have already been held where the sides decided to move forward without any preconditions, with the goal of opening the borders. To give a positive

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA

dynamic to that process, the Foreign Minister of Armenia recently accepted the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Turkey and travelled to Turkey to participate in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, where he met with his counterpart on the margins of the Forum.

We believe that in order to achieve normalization it is necessary to have a political will and readiness to undertake concrete steps. The Armenian side has repeatedly demonstrated both, and we expect the same from the Turkish side. Despite all the risks and the fragility (of the situation), there is a chance for opening an era of peaceful development in our region, and Armenia will continue its efforts to contribute to the realization of that chance.

And in the case of Azerbaijan?

With regards to Azerbaijan, it should be noted that the waning years of the USSR were marked with the expression of the peaceful appeal of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to exercise their right to self-determination, but the lawful demands of these people were, unfortunately, responded to with violence, deportations, premeditated massacres, and, eventually, wars. Thus, it was not surprising that, instead of promoting peace in the region and committing to the resolution of the conflict through a peaceful negotiation process, on 27 September, 2020, Azerbaijan, with the direct support of Turkey, and with the participation of foreign terrorist fighters from the Middle East, unleashed a large-scale war against Artsakh.

The growing anti-Armenian hatred, xenophobia, and intolerance, which have been cultivated for decades in Azerbaijan and promoted at the highest political level, never being properly addressed, eventually found their manifestation in the war crimes perpetrated against the Armenian population and the Armenian historicalcultural heritage during and after the last war in Artsakh, where hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and residential buildings were deliberately targeted, and mass atrocities, extrajudicial killings, as well as the destruction and the illegal expropriation of churches, cemeteries, and religious symbols, became ordinary practice.

Did the trilateral statement, signed between the leaders of the Russian Federation, Armenia, and Azerbaijan on 9 November 2020, not help?

The statement put an end to the fighting, and provided for the stationing of Russian peacekeepers in NagornoKarabakh, creating conditions for ensuring the comprehensive security of the population of Artsakh. But this did not provide for the final settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Moreover, even after two years, Azerbaijan, along with other key provisions of the document, continues violating the provisions of paragraph 8 of the statement on the exchange

of prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons, in gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law. With false and fabricated trials against the Armenian POWs, Azerbaijan uses human lives as a political bargaining chip, whilst the xenophobic attitudes prevailing in Azerbaijan continue to pose a direct threat to our compatriots, currently under Azerbaijani custody.

The realities based on the use of force, mass violations of human rights, as well as the consistent actions of a similar nature by Azerbaijan following the war, including the infiltration by Azerbaijani armed forces into the sovereign territory of Armenia, cannot create a sustainable foundation for regional peace and security. Only agreements reached within the framework of a peace process can open a new page for peace, security, and development in the region. We stand for the fullfledged launch of the peace process of the NagornoKarabakh conflict within the framework and mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship (US, France, and Russia).

Do you have anything else to say on this sad topic?

Unfortunately, Azerbaijan continues blocking the access of humanitarian organizations and other specialized bodies to Artsakh, which is of vital importance in the context of a comprehensive and effective solution to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war. The settlement of humanitarian issues, including the repatriation of all prisoners of war and captured civilians, addressing the cases of enforced disappearances, as well as ensuring the protection of the Armenian historicalcultural heritage fallen under Azerbaijani control, all require an urgent solution. Moreover, whilst Armenia is trying to engage in open discussions and negotiations on the opening of regional communications to the benefit of all countries in the region, Azerbaijan continues pursuing its expansionist agenda through the misinterpretation of a so-called “Zangezur Corridor”. The existence of any extraterritorial

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA

corridor inside the territory of Armenia is ruled out. This is not even up for discussion. Our discussions are exclusively about opening and unblocking roads, transport, and economic communications.

Has the war in Ukraine had any effect on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh?

Azerbaijan continues its policy of provocative actions and its threats of using force. After the situation in Ukraine unfolded, the Azerbaijani armed forces invaded the village of Parukh in Nagorno-Karabakh, which was preceded by the constant shelling of villages and civilian infrastructure, urging the peaceful Armenian population of the neighboring villages to leave their homes under the threat of the use of force, disruption of the operation of the gas pipeline for several weeks amid the unprecedented cold weather, etc. The provocations and aggression by Azerbaijani armed forces newly intensified in the beginning of August, resulting in deaths and casualties. Currently, when the world focuses its attention on Ukraine, Azerbaijan may be tempted to launch a large-scale provocation at any moment. Hence, it is extremely important for the international community to undertake effective steps to prevent the attempts of destabilizing the situation in the South Caucasus

Nevertheless, we think that peace, not war, is the solution, and Armenia continues its efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region. We’ve repeatedly stated that we are ready to start negotiations on comprehensive peace with Azerbaijan, which will also include the lasting settlement of the NagornoKarabakh conflict, including the protection of all rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and its final status. Nagorno-Karabakh is not only a piece of territory; it is a people, whose dignity should be respected.

During the meeting of leaders in Brussels on 22 May, it was agreed to start work towards the delimitation and security of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, to finalize talks on opening the transport infrastructure in the region, and to work on the preparation for comprehensive peace talks. If Azerbaijan demonstrates a constructive approach, and refrains from creating hurdles along the way like they have many times before, I think we can move forward. Let me repeat that Armenia is ready for a constructive dialogue on peace and collaboration, free from preconditions and threats. Only when all these issues are properly addressed, prospects for sustainable peace and development in our region will become visible.

the world commemorate the Armenian Genocide, known as the first genocide of the 20th century. The evil act, meant to exterminate a nation, not only failed in its mission but even strengthened the will of the Armenian people to live and create a better future.

Today’s huge Armenian Diaspora of over 7 million people is mostly comprised of the descendants of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, who were not only given shelter and care in various friendly countries, but were also provided opportunities to preserve their national identity and organize their own cultural and political life whilst actively engaging in their host communities. We are grateful to all those who stood by the Armenian people during the tragic pages of our history.

Ever since, the Armenian people, both in Armenia and the Diaspora, have pledged their commitment to raising awareness of genocidal crimes and protesting against denialism.

History has shown us that inappropriate condemnation of past crimes and avoiding punishment create fertile ground for denial and justification of genocide, and, eventually, lead to recurrences of mass atrocities. Denied justice on its part pursues generations of genocide survivors and hinders genuine reconciliation.

Feel free to elaborate on this. Unfortunately, even after a hundred years, the Armenian people see history reminding them of their painful past, with the genocidal intent demonstrated during the 44-day war in Artsakh, and the developments that followed. This includes the situation with the Armenian POWs, as well as the continuous intentional destruction by Azerbaijan of Armenian historical-cultural heritage in an attempt to eliminate all traces of Armenians from the territories that have fallen under its control.

As you know, every year on 24 April, Armenians all over

Nevertheless, a small nation, that in just a little over 100 years has survived genocide and faced three wars waged upon its mere existence, does not give up on its fight for justice, and continues to lead international efforts towards the “Never Again” campaign by traditionally introducing the Resolution on the Prevention of Genocide at the UN Human Rights Council, where, quite recently, on 31 March, the fifth of such was once again adopted by consensus. Upon Armenia’s initiative, the UN GA has proclaimed 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, and of the Prevention of this Crime. Commemoration and respect for the dignity of the victims of genocide and genocidal crimes are not just expressions of solidarity, but are amongst the most important actions in the prevention of such crimes in the future. Year by year, Armenians are joined by the international community and their friends worldwide in not only commemorating the over 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, but also bringing together efforts in condemning and preventing such grave crimes against humanity. To this end, I would like to once

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA

As a Jew, I cannot ignore the historical genocide against the Armenians. How is this affecting modern Armenia?

again thank the Czech Republic for joining this big familythe Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament adopted a resolution condemning and recognizing the Armenian Genocide back in 2017, and the Czech Senate adopted a similar resolution quite recently in May of 2020. Each year on 24 April, when honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide here in the Czech Republic, we also pay tribute to famous Czech traveler and writer Karel Hansa, and to prominent Austrian-Bohemian novelist of Jewish origin Franz Werfel, one of the first in Europe to have documented the horrors of the Armenian Genocide.

A few months ago, you were very upset that some interviews with you were censored. Am I correct? Unfortunately, I will have to confess that Indeed, we had such incidents, especially during the last war in Artsakh and the period that followed, when the Embassy and I as the Ambassador were on some occasions not only refused the opportunity to voice the official position of my country, but were also often deprived of the right to reply. Moreover, my authorized texts were several times subjected to censorship in the most hideous way, whilst in other cases we were prompted on what exactly should be said in order to be able to get ‘space’ in the media. Such misconduct on behalf of some media outlets has only deepened our concerns that the latter (outlets) were not merely pursuing their commercial interests, but were being guided by the political interests of third parties, and subjected to the influence of those third parties in their activity.

Traditionally, we ask the Ambassadors at this moment of an interview to voice their wishes for their country. I think Armenia is one of those where the wish is rather obvious.

So, I will describe it a little more broadly. Armenia is one of the cradles of ancient civilization, with roots going back into pre-historic times. We have millenniaold heritage, not only in terms of tangible, but also intangible, cultural and religious heritage. Armenia is the first country that adopted Christianity as a state religion, which, together with the Armenian language and traditions, has played quite an important role in preserving the Armenian identity throughout the centuries, especially in the times of the absence of Armenian statehood.

31 years ago, through the expression of the united and collective will of the Armenian people, the modernday Armenian statehood came into existence. Our nation, which possesses a centuries-old history, having passed through many hardships and trials and having survived genocide, not only withstood all those challenges but also restored its statehood in its historical homeland. Even in this short period of time, we were still challenged to fight for the preservation of our identity and for the right to live in our homeland. The Artsakh wars and the achievements and losses of the Armenian people are once again a testament to the strong will of the Armenian people to live and create in their native homeland, and to the unbreakable faith in building a bright future for the new generations.

The Czech Republic is one of the countries with which Armenia shares good traditions of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, anchored on sustained democratic traditions and universal values. A few years ago, Czechia festively celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of statehood through the democratic path. Czechia is a country which has officially taken the course of pursuing the legacy of Václav Havel, underscoring human rights, democratic development, strong civil society, and multilateral collaboration. The wave of peaceful transition that started off in the Czech Republic over three decades ago has years later found its reflection beyond its borders. In Armenia, we also pursue these values, which was reflected in the non-violent “velvet revolution” that took place in our country a few years ago, and which is currently visible in the ambitious agenda of democratic reforms and transformations that the Armenian Government is currently undertaking. The Czech Republic is a reliable partner for us in this sense, in sharing its experience and supporting Armenia on its democratic path.

I would therefore like to use this opportunity to wish the Czech Republic the utmost success in all of its endeavors, including its EU presidency, and for our countries to benefit from the flourishing friendship between our two friendly nations.

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Do you have a wish for the Czech Republic as well, to conclude our interview?

President of Israel Isaac Herzog´s visit to Prague

On 11 July, the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, together with his wife, First Lady Michal Herzog, came to Prague on an official state visit. It was a reflection of the close relations between the two nations, who “share historical affinity that has found expression in moments of crisis and difficulty”, according to President Herzog

The presidential couple was welcomed to the Czech Republic with a state welcoming ceremony and an honor guard at Prague Castle.

Following a tête-à-tête meeting with the Czech President and the bilateral talks of the delegations, President Herzog once again highlighted the close ties between the two countries: “It is no secret that for several decades, Israel and Czechia have been true partners, learning from each other, supporting each other, and relying on each other.”

From left: Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová, President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Israel-Czechia and member of the Knesset Michal Shir-Segman, and Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Jan Bartošek

President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala

President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPO

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPOPhoto: Haim Zach/ GPO

Underlining President Zeman’s deep friendship with the Jewish People, his consistent support for Israel on the international stage, and his “zero tolerance“ policy toward terrorism and antisemitism, President Herzog awarded his Czech counterpart the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, presenting this honor for the first time in his presidency.

During his one-day sojourn in the Czech capital, President Herzog also met with the Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil, and the Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová. The President also met with Holocaust survivors, and had a tour of the Jewish Quarter. Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic, Anna Azari, was very happy to see the renewal of mutual visits, paused by the pandemic, carried out on such a high note: “Being an Ambassador for a long time, I have been part of many high-level visits. However, this one was by far the nicest.”

President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and the First Lady unveil a plaque commemorating the state visit

President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and the First Lady with Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Czech Republic H.E. Anna Azari and her husband rabbi Meir Azari

First Lady of Israel Michal Herzog, President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman, and the First Lady Ivana Zemanová

President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPO

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPO

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPO

Photo: Haim Zach/ GPO

Brazilian history is permeated by important Czech figures

Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world, about double the size of the EU, covering almost 50% of the South American continent. It is the largest country with Portuguese as its official language. The coldest month is July, and the hottest is January. It is a country of over 214 million people, with excellent football, Amazon rainforests, diversity, and coffee. It is the country of H.E. Mrs. Sônia Regina Guimarães Gomes, Ambassador of Brazil.

Please tell us about yourself and your journey to become a diplomat.

Well, this may be a bit too long to answer in detail, so I will make it brief. I must confess that becoming a diplomat was not my first career plan. As a kid I wanted to be a biologist. Later on, I fell in love with history, but it was just when I went to college that I discovered International Relations and decided that a diplomatic career was the right path for me.

I enjoy discovering what can bring people together, rather than focusing on their differences. When you exercise openness to new cultures, to a different world view, you discover that underneath we have much in common. Take Brazilians and Czechs: we share common values, and I like to think that as a diplomat I must try to emphasize these common traits.

During the hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in November, you said: “We are going to have fairs with more products, and focusing on Brazilian regions…”. Can you tell us more about your plans?

It is not only Brazilian products that I want to bring to the Czech Republic. I also want to promote Brazilian culture as well. Brazil has such a richness and diversity, but also cultural experiences that are sometimes similar to those of the Czechs. I have recently discovered that the Brazilian Cordel literature (Cordel in Portuguese means string, and these booklets are displayed hung on a string), which is popular and grassroot chapbooks sold in fairs to entertain and educate people, is like the art of storytelling known here from the medieval period.

I intend to make an exposition showing both forms of art and what they have in common.

I also want to work together with our Portuguese friends to help promote the Portuguese language. We intend to have a lot of activities for people of all ages next June, when we celebrate Portuguese Language Day.

How would you describe the relationship between Czechia and Brazil?

The Czech Republic and Brazil relations go back a long way. Sometimes I joke and say that we have always been by your side, no matter what your current geographical configuration or political status was. Our countries have had political relations since 1921. Brazilian history is per meated by important Czech figures, especially from the period when Brazil was still a young empire and received Czech naturalists, painters, and artists. We have cities in Brazil created by Czechs, and, as is well known, we had a highly regarded President that was of Czech descent, Jucelino Kubitschek.

But, of course, we can always build more on top of this solid foundation. Brazil is a country that can offer oppor tunities to businesses and universities. It is a source of renewable energy, the third largest food producer in the world, and we also have a vibrant tech sector, so there are lots of opportunities to be explored by companies of both countries in a myriad of fields.

You have served in many countries. Can you share with us an adventure you have had?

As diplomats, we have many lives. Each country and each city give us an opportunity to discover new things, not only about the region but also about ourselves. We are touched by distinct kinds of beauty, curious ways of living, and new ideas. But for me, the Republic of Cabo Verde was where I learned more about our planet and about myself. I remember a trip to one of its islands, Fogo, a still-active volcano. I saw the most amazing night sky there, absolutely studded, as if you were near the stars there. But it was also in Cabo Verde that I thought I’d get stranded on one of those islands, when the car that we rented broke down in the middle of nowhere and we had no cell phone. Fortunately, we found someone to help our group! But you realize that some comforts are not common or given, and that we must be prepared to use our resources in curious ways.

Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

The heads of the Parliament of the Czech

Republic held talks in Prague with the President of the European Parliament

In the context of the upcoming Czech Presidency of the EU Council, representatives of both chambers of the Czech Par liament met with members of the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament in the Liechtenstein Palace.

The parliamentary delegation was led by its chairwo man, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, while chairman Miloš

Vystrčil led the senate delegation. President Roberta Metsola arrived in the Czech Republic as the head of the representatives from the European Parliament. The de bate focused mainly on topics that will accompany the upcoming Czech presidency, namely the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine and the resilience of the EU in all respects.

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

President Roberta Metsola accompanied by Miloš Vystrčil and Markéta Pekarová Adamová

Among other things, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, has stated that the priorities of the Czech presidency include energy security, the defense of free institutions, getting rid of dependence on Russia, the Eastern Partnership, and the possible expan sion of the European Union. „The strength of the European Union was, is, and will be the ability to cooperate despite mutual differences. It is the ability to overcome these diffe rences that makes us stronger and more competitive. This is also related to openness towards other states that share similar values and that can expand our diverse European family in the future,“ said Speaker Adamová at the end of the joint meeting.

„If today we are facing a war in Ukraine or if we are threatened by the fact that our energy or food security is not ensured, then there are reasons for this. European civilization and the European Union work well and live in relative prosperity precisely because we pay attention to the basic values on which the EU stands, and which are the basis of our life. It is important that free elections

work everywhere, and that we have independent institutions. If we are talking about energy security, then concerns about energy prices increasing are due to the fact that we have become too attached to totalitarian systems and thus violated our basic values,“ said Senate President Miloš Vystrčil in his speech. At the same time, he thanked the European Parliament for Russia‘s access to the attacked Ukraine and the suspension of the investment agreement with China. He ended his speech with the message: „I wish us to survive the period when the Czech Republic will have the honor of being the country holding the Presidency of the European Union, together and stronger.“

During her speech, Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of this first official meeting within the Czech Presidency. According to the President of the European Parliament, digitalization, energy prices, inflation and rela ted social and economic impacts will also be key topics in the coming months, when the Czech Republic will preside over the Council of the EU.

Czech people have a long historical memory

Mr. Sashko Todorovski, Ambassador of North Macedonia, acknowledges the respect of the Czech people for the past and our ability to maintain a link between our past and present. He believes that “the Czech Republic, which has a long history of dealing with aggression from the USSR, is particularly significant in this moment of incredible aggression on European soil in the 21st century”. How does he describe his life journey leading to the post of ambassador in Prague? What does the EU symbolise for him? And what does he wish for his country?

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

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SASHKO TODOROVSKI, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to the post of North Macedonian Ambassador in the Czech Republic, please?

At the time of my studies, the importance and status of diplomacy were at their peak! Various world crises and so-called political “hotbeds” were being solved by really magnificent diplomatic efforts and results. The dissolution of inherited international concepts, such as the Cold War or the superpowers and bipolar structure as a basic assumption, promisingly led the world into a better future. We had the privilege to witness détente and jus contra bellum (deescalation and the right to oppose war), the OSCE and Vienna Documents, the rise of the collective legal mind in the Council of Europe and its European Human Rights Court, and many other diplomatic and international achievements, unthinkable until then. Hence, it was in some way only natural for me to see myself as part of this, particularly while studying law and being good at languages.

Maybe a fortunate coincidence was that, at that time, both the then SFR Yugoslavia and SR Macedonia were intro ducing very strict criteria for recruiting future diplomats. Hence, I could and did enter diplomacy on my own merits and not by means of a political (or any other) criteria. Seven years later, I had to undergo an even more demanding pro cedure to transfer from the Macedonian to the Yugoslavian Diplomatic House. Finally, once the dissolution of the SFR of Yugoslavia had begun, a group of Macedonian diplomats in Belgrade refused to be advocates of a failing and flailing rampant Yugoslavia (already without Slovenia and Croatia), and so we fought our way back into Macedonian, now North Macedonian diplomacy.

Can you share some of your strongest impressions from living among Czech people?

The first thing you notice in the Czech Republic is respect for the past and for nature. The Czech people have a long memory, a tumultuous history, and many witness accounts of that history. You manage to establish a link between the past and places, buildings, and even the most everyday things, creating a clear picture of continual development. The Czechs are proud of their history and build stories around it, stories about battles and everyday life, about being similar and different to other people, stories that have the power to engage any visitor to the Czech Republic.

Everywhere you go, you can see a different moment from the cultural development of this country, a continuum of people that have built the present, which is so filled with culture and art. Every monastery has a story to tell, as does every castle, street, wall, house, and secret garden, and all the extravagant art pieces that seem to be scattered throughout Prague and other cities. It is noticeable that the Czech people like to talk about their history and are very knowledgeable about their past.

As noticeable is also your relationship with nature and your green heritage. Forests, parks, and gardens are all part of the Czech Republic and are hugely respected. Every park and every forest has its own unique characteristics. You can see subtle traces of human care everywhere, a crossgenerational effort to preserve the natural beauty, to enrich and expand it.

I dare to say that having a tumultuous history is not that rare in the European area. Does having NATO, which you joined in March 2020, and the EU, where you received a candidate country status in 2005, help?

To be a NATO member is, first and foremost, a question of security. With the spectre of war looming even on the European continent, and when certain old ideologies and terrifying scenarios are being revived, NATO is a structure that offers a sense of security. The EU is a symbol of unity, while respecting differences. It is a symbol of the highest-level value system that humanity has currently achieved. This value system, the basis of the EU, is the greatest possible guarantee of protecting human rights and freedoms, but also of development and change, that considers both the present and the future.

North Macedonia entered the Euro-integration processes with huge enthusiasm, and still believes that the EU is where it belongs. Unfortunately, the road to the EU turned out to be complicated and burdened by a past that some of the EU members are struggling to let go of.

There is undoubtedly support from a lot of EU members, however, it is currently insufficient to escape the trappings of history.

What do you expect from the Czech EU Council Presidency?

The Czech Republic, which has a long history of dealing with aggression from the USSR, is particularly significant in this moment of incredible aggression on European soil in the 21st century. The Czech Republic knows what it is like to fight for your independence, for the ideology of human rights and for democratic values - specifically against one of the greatest aggressors, one that is currently harking back to the past instead of being part of progress and the future. In that sense, the Czech presidency of the EU right now means that there will be a clear idea of the true values we are defending, of the lessons to be learnt from the past, and what the future should look like. The priorities set by the Czech Republic for its presidency are all in this direction, and clearly confirm the country´s important role in the further progress of the EU.

In the case of North Macedonia, the Czech Republic has always been a friend to our country, with a great understanding of the problems that we have faced, a clear view of past injustices, and the potential traps history has

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SASHKO TODOROVSKI, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

laid out for us. Therefore, North Macedonia believes that the Czech Republic will be a very important partner on our journey to join the EU, supporting and easing the process.

Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of North Macedonia. What are some attractions your country can offer to its visitors?

One of the most difficult tasks in promoting touristic North Macedonia is doing justice to the variety of things on offer. Often, people have only heard of Ohrid Lake and the capital city, Skopje. In reality, North Macedonia packs quite a lot in a relatively small area, from wonderful mountains suitable for sports activities any time of year, to hidden gems of natural beauty such as the Smolen Waterfalls, Kuklice, or the lakes on the Pelister mountain top. It also offers an opportu nity to explore history from antiquity, specifically the Byzan tine and Ottoman periods, in rich archaeological sites.

North Macedonia is a place where the west and east meet, and you can see this through the architecture, music, food, and traditions. It is a unique experience, rarely replicated. Hopefully, next year, once the Czech EU presidency is over, there will be further opportunities for us to fully embark on our tourism promotion!

How do you rate Czechia-North Macedonia relations? The relations between the Czech Republic and North Mace donia have always been friendly, respectful, and supportive. Currently, North Macedonia considers the Czech Republic one of its greatest friends and supporters on its journey to join the EU. There is of course always more work to be done, and improvements could be made in the areas of economic and cultural cooperation.

North Macedonia can learn so much from your country on dealing with a complicated history and developing democratic structures, and hopefully the Czech Republic can make use of our experience in building a multicultural and multi-confessional society.

This interview is taken on the occasion of the natio nal day of North Macedonia. Would you like to wish something for your country, and maybe for the Czech Republic too?

It is a lesser-known fact that Macedonia has been an inde pendent country from 2 August (the National Day) 1944 until the beginning of 1946, when it joined the Federal Peoples Republic of Yugoslavia. It joined voluntarily and willingly, unlike the countries that joined the Warsaw Pact. In the same peaceful and voluntary way, the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia decided to exit the SFR of Yugoslavia on 8 September (the Day of International Independence), 1991. So, in a way, we have two national days, but it seems that the people still prefer the first one – 2 August.

History aside, I wish for my country to continue its progression towards the best European values, and to further develop its cultural diversity and the unique way of existence of many ethnic groups in such a small piece of this Earth. I also wish my country a speedy entry to the EU, where it belongs geographically, historically, and by the values it has chosen to follow. To Czechia, I wish for further growth, maintaining its distinctiveness, and fitting that distinctiveness into the broader tapestry of the EU.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. SASHKO TODOROVSKI, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Taiwan must remain an island of FREEDOM

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, held talks with the delegation led by the Chairman of the Legislative Court of the Republic of China (Taiwan), You Si-kun.

The main topic of the meeting was closer mutual cooperation at the parliamentary level.

“Despite the considerable geographical distance between our countries, we and Taiwan share a very strong bond of shared democratic values. From our own history, we remember all too well what it is like to live in the sphere of influence of a usurping totalitarian power,” pointed out Speaker Adamová.

Among the specific areas of intended closer cooperation, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies

specifically mentioned the exchange of know-how in the field of cyber security and hybrid threats. In the future, educational exchange visits of office employees would also be considered.

At the end of the meeting, the speaker of the Taiwanese legislature officially invited the speaker of the Czech House of Representatives to visit Taiwan. „I really appreciate the invitation. I am sure that such a journey will follow on seamlessly from the mission of Senate President Miloš Vystrčil 2 years ago, and will contribute to the further deepening of the promising cooperation between our parliaments. At the same time, we will use this route to develop our business relations, and the political delegation will also be supplemented by representatives of Czech businessmen,“ added Speaker Adamová.

Text:

Zisso; Photo: Archive

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová and the Chairman of the Legislative Court of the Republic of China (Taiwan), You Si-kun

The Chairman of the Legislative Court of the Republic of China (Taiwan), You Si-kun and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová

TAIWAN VISIT

Our countries have DIFFERENT CHARMS

Just imagine a country whose people inhabit nearly 6,000 islands, and I am sure you will clearly understand the fitting wisdom of the Indonesian motto “Unity in Diversity”. Living in the landlocked Czech Republic brings along with it a different life experience, which the Ambassador of Indonesia Mrs. Kenssy Dwi Ekaningsih has had an opportunity to live through for about three years. Does she think the two countries are totally different? What is The Ten New Bali project about? And which major world organization is Indonesia chairing this year?

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. KENSSY DWI EKANINGSIH, AMBASSADOR

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

You have been stationed in the Czech Republic for three years. Can you please share some of your impressions with us?

The Czech Republic really is a beautiful country, with a beautiful landscape. It may be the exact opposite of Indonesia, where Indonesia is a country of thousands of islands and beaches, while Czechia is landlocked. Certainly, they both have different charms. For example, in Indonesia we cannot find the beautiful medieval architecture that is widespread throughout the Czech Republic. But on the other hand, Indonesia is also rich in the various natural conservations that you cannot find in other places. Another highlight would be how both countries share a history of colonialism, and how it projected certain societal behaviours that were quite communal but are now growing to be capitalistic and individualised. Both countries also still need to improve the way they deal with the free flow of money and people, and to facilitate and oversee this process, so that it works for sustainable development. I am here in the Czech Republic for my last assignment before retirement, so I like to spend my free time doing what I like. I enjoy playing the piano (particularly jazz-style music), Indonesian traditional dancing, and singing. I was born into a family of artists, so I have a keen interest in music and art performances. Therefore, I enjoy going to the theatre whenever possible.

Indonesia is quite an attractive destination for Czech people. How do you promote your country?

Indonesia is indeed a popular destination to visit. With nearly 6,000 inhabited islands, my country is blessed with both natural and cultural wonders. Our government has an official initiative known as Wonderful Indonesia, which focuses on sharing information and promoting five main attractions: Nature, Culinary & Wellness, Arts & Heritage, Recreation & Leisure, and Adventure. Since 2016, we have been working on a massive investment project called The Ten New Bali to redistribute incoming tourists and reveal some of the other wonders in Indonesia that had been previously hidden for many, as opposed to other well-known destinations. We as an embassy strive to be part of the promotion as well by organising cultural events where the public can interact with Indonesian culture, including arts and food. In the last few months, we prepared our own musical based on old Indonesian legends, and organized the screening of the only Czechoslovak-Indonesian movie with Indonesian snacks-tasting, just to give you an example. Furthermore, we regularly participate in the Holiday World exhibition, which is another event where we focus on promoting tourism.

How do you assess the Indonesia-Czech Republic relationship?

Our relations have been very friendly and lively since the very beginning. In fact, Czechoslovakia was one of the first countries in Europe to recognize Indonesian independence. Even though we are geographically two very different and distant countries, as democracies we share a lot of focus and dedication within our respective regions.

The two countries have had some intensive meetings between government officials, from Indonesia to the Czech Republic and vice versa. On the economic level, we have recently been working on increasing mutual trade by investment, as well as searching for opportunities in sharing know-how and the transfer of technologies.

On the political level, we signed a memorandum of cooperation related to environmental issues last year, and we had the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs visit her counterpart in Czechia in June 2022.

The presidency of the Czech Republic in the EU Council started on 1 July 2022. This is one of the most important rights and demanding tasks of EU member countries. What are you, as a representative of Indonesia, a member of ASEAN, expecting from our Presidency?

As one of the founding fathers of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia is committed to making the relations between the two regional organisations work for both countries’ prosperity. We know that the EU has been helping ASEAN establish a seamless economic integration within the region through its projects, called ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE) and ARISE-Plus. We greatly appreciate how the EU is sharing its best practices with the ASEAN on how to form a regional economic community.

Not only that, but the EU has also established another framework of the EU project for Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA), an initiative to promote regional stability in Asia. This framework may be intended for the Asian region; however, the EU has made ASEAN countries the priority for projects under ESIWA, namely Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Therefore, we greatly appreciate the EU‘s continued deep interest in ASEAN. We expect that through the deepening of ASEAN and EU relations we will be able to collaborate by creating projects aimed toward sustainable development and for the people’s prosperity.

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MRS. KENSSY DWI EKANINGSIH, AMBASSADOR OF INDONESIA

This interview is taken on the occasion of your national day. Would you like to convey a wish to Indonesia, and perhaps also to the Czech Republic? Both of our countries are currently facing so many challenges in the global and domestic spheres. For Indonesia, after declaring our independence on 17 August 1945, we still had to fight against the military aggressions of the colonials. And after the external threats were settled in 1959, we had to fight not with the colonials anymore, but within ourselves. Fighting against corruption, injustice, and poverty.

Indonesia has come a long way since then. This year, we are currently holding the G20 Presidency, as one of the top 20 biggest economies in the world. We have been struggling during our 77 years of independence, yet we keep holding onto our founding fathers’ vision for this country. Soekarno

and M. Hatta formulated Indonesia’s founding ideology to be a non-aligned country, a multicultural society that goes out into the world to work towards peace and prosperity, by God’s blessing.

For the Czech Republic, our wish is for the government and the people to have a productive EU Presidency. We learnt the history of the last Czech EU presidency, and sincerely hope that this time it will be a successful one, establishing regional stability and mitigating the internal and external crises. We also hope that with Czech assistance, the EU will address several pending matters regarding the Indonesia-EU relation, such as the Indonesia-EU CEPA and palm oil, particularly related to the proposed EU rules on deforestation.

ASEAN Day

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Ambassador Ekaningsih and Ms Eva Horelová from the European Commission

H.E. Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, Ambassador of Indonesia and Chairperson of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Committee in Prague, hosted a reception for „ASEAN Day“ on the occasion of the 55 th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding

Left to right: Mrs. Farashima Aini Binti Mohd Ali, Mr. Phone Lin Kyaing, H.E. Mr. Libor Sečka, H.E. Mr. Martin Tlapa, Mr. Petr Třešňák, H.E. Mr. Martin Dvořák, H.E. Mrs. Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, Ms. Indhira Banares, H.E. Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana, and H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung

Front: H.E. Mrs. Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, Mrs. Farashima Aini Binti Mohd Ali, Mr. Phone Lin Kyaing, Ms. Indhira Banares, H.E. Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana, H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung. Back: H.E. Mr. Martin Dvořák, H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, and H.E. Mr. Libor Sečka

Left to right: Mr. Phone Lin Kyaing, H.E. Mr. Libor Sečka, H.E. Mr. Martin Tlapa, Mr. Petr Třešňák, H.E. Mr. Martin Dvořák, H.E. Mrs. Kenssy D. Ekaningsih, Ms. Indhira Banares, H.E. Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana, and H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung

PAKISTAN offers huge possibilities for INVESTMENTS

At the beginning of its existence, Pakistan had a population of about 32 million. Now, it stands at 230 million, with estimations for the year 2050 being around 366 million. The median age in Pakistan is 22.8 years. Besides other potentially promising areas of cooperation, “there are huge opportunities for investments in supply chain and logistics”, says H.E. Mr. Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Ambassador of Pakistan.

You have been in the Czech Republic for three years. Can you please share some highlights of your Czech experience with our readers?

Czechia is a beautiful country, and Prague is the most beautiful and romantic among European capitals. Czechia, except for Prague, is an unexplored destination among Pakistani tourists. My family and I have enjoyed our stay here, and visiting the beautiful countryside. Czechia’s

immense strength in the sciences and its university system were hitherto unknown in Pakistan. It is an area that we are now in the process of strengthening through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Technical University of Prague and the National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad.

I believe that Pakistan is not that well explored by

INTERVIEW WITH H.E. MR. MUHAMMAD KHALID JAMALI, AMBASSADOR OF PAKISTAN

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

Czech tourists either. What can your country offer in this regard?

Pakistan is very lucky to have beautiful alpine, desert, and coastal topography. We are in the process of developing the tourism infrastructure in Pakistan to facilitate domes tic and international tourists.

Buddhist tourism has been significantly developed in the past decade with the cooperation of the Republic of Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Thailand. For the first time in Pa kistan´s history, a group of Buddhist monks gathered at Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila, Pakistan, for the annual rain retreat - vassa. They also performed the ritual commemo rating the first sermon in Budhism, which was broadcast live in 32 countries. Taxila is the seat of the Gandhara Civilization, which is more than 2,000 years old. Pakistan’s alpine tourism, with its rugged landscape, apart from professional mountaineering, is on the rise, and more and more local operators are developing small international standard hotels and tours. Due to the pan demic, some of these efforts have been hampered, and international investments delayed. We are hopeful that as the world economy picks up, investments in this area will resume and a steady stream of international tourists will start coming in regularly to Pakistan.

with the EU. Dialogue and resolution to the crisis in Afghanistan are also of great interest to us as the largest host to Afghan refugees for some 40+ years since the invasion by the USSR, as it comes at a huge humanitarian and financial cost for both Afghans and Pakistanis.

The ambassadorial assignment is an honour, despite the cost of being away from family and friends. I do have some free time and I prefer to spend it at home with my family, listening to Urdu classical and film music, and reading books. I also enjoy wandering through the streets of Prague and discovering beautiful buildings and Prague culture. Besides that, my family and I plan short trips around the Czech countryside.

In the past, you held diplomatic assignments in Pakistani missions in Brussels. The EU Council presidency of the Czech Republic started on 1 July 2022. What are you, with your experience and as a representative of your country, expecting?

Czechia takes on the Presidency of the EU at a critical juncture in contemporary European history. The unfor tunate conflict in Ukraine has brought to the forefront the critical issues of refugees and the cost of war. We wish the Czech Republic a very successful presidency despite these challenges. We are hopeful that Czechia will be at the forefront to work towards a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, and work towards a united and strong Europe, ensuring its energy security and stabilizing the economy and the develop ment of democratic values.

We are confident that the rights of the people of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir will also be safeguarded during its term of the presidency. Pakistan, specifically, looks forward to Czechia’s support in the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP and preferred market status

The Czechia-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce was created and registered in 2020. What can Pakistan offer to Czech business and industry?

Pakistan is a resource-rich country with a youthful population of 52% between the ages of 19-29. With the Sino-Pakistan economic corridor firmly established, there are several areas of opportunity for Czech businesses to consider investments, particularly offering to derive benefits from the tax holiday regime.

There are huge opportunities for investments in supply chain and logistics, agriculture, and eco-friendly housing. The Czech-Pakistani Chamber of Commerce, under the patronage of the Embassy, is actively working to bring a Czech agricultural machine manufacturer to Pakistan. What´s worth noting is the fact that, every year, Pakistan produces 20,000 English-speaking software engineers who can provide high-quality services to technology and software firms in Czechia. Additionally, Czech firms will find special incentives to set up operations in software parks. Business visas are now issued on arrival to facilitate interaction. The MoU on the Pakistani-Czech economic cooperation and business promotion was agreed on principally and will be signed in the third quarter of 2022. The Czech-Pakistani Chamber of Commerce was launched in 2020 with the objective to facilitate the activities of businesspersons from Czechia and Pakistan, and to promote the common economic interests of the two sides. We firmly believe that with the signing of the economic MoU this year, this chamber would further augment our business and trade relations, and its members would feel more secure about their investments.

Is it difficult to be an ambassador? Does your sche dule allow you some free time?

The Philippine Embassy celebrated the National Day and farewell to H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal at Augustine Hotel

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

From left, the ASEAN Committee in Prague: Dr. Phone Lin Kyaing (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of Myanmar), H.E. Ambassador Phasporn Sangasubana (Thailand), H.E. Ambassador Kenssy Dwi Ekaningsih (Indonesia), H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal (Philippines), H.E. Ambassador Thai Xuan Dung (Vietnam), and Mrs. Farashima Aini Binti Mohd Ali (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of Malaysia)

From left: Naoyuki Ito (Third Secretary, Japan), Gaeun Lee (Second Secretary, South Korea), Orawan Permpoon (Counsellor of Thailand), Llewelyn Perez (Attaché, Philippines), Břetislav Skácel (Consul General, a.h., Philippines), Indhira C. Bañares (Minister and Consul General of the Philippines), Jaime Victor Ledda (Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines), Mrs. Elsie E. Jainal (spouse of the Ambassador, Philippines), H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal (Philippines), H.E. Ambassador Thai Xuan Dung (Vietnam), Farashima Aini Binti Mohd Ali (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of Malaysia), Prairie Maharwati (Counsellor of Indonesia), Zhang Maoming (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of China), Long Nguyen Hoang (Attachê of Vietnam), Natthaphon Sapsinsoonthon (Minister-Counsellor, Thailand), and Dr. Phone Lin Kyaing (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of Myanmar)

From left: Ms. Jeehan Jainal and Mr. Qaisir Jainal (children of H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal), and Mr. Aldrin Dionisio

H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal delivers his speech, with guest of honor, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Martin Dvořák and Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Šedivá, and the Philippines´ Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda

From left, Officials of the Embassy of the Philippines in Prague with spouse of the Ambassador and Assistant Secretary for European Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda: Labor Attaché Llewelyn Perez, Consul General, a.h. Břetislav Skácel, Minister and Consul General Indhira C. Bañares, Assistant Secretary Ledda, Mrs. Jainal, and H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal

Guests wait for the Philippine National Anthem to begin the celebration of the 124th Anniversary of Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines at the gardens of the Augustine Hotel on 15 June 2022

NATIONAL DAY OF THE PHILIPPINES

From left: H.E Ambassador Mr. Nestor Francisco Popolizio (Peru), H.E. Ambassador Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez (Mexico), H.E. Ambassador Luis de Almeida Sampaio (Portugal), Minister and Consul General Indhira C. Bañares (Philippines), and Mr. Meshulam Zisso (Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine)

From left: H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal delivers his speech, with guest of honor Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Martin Dvořák, Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Šedivá, and the Philippines´ Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda

Mr. Aldrin Dionisio sings Filipino songs to the guests at the National Day of the Philippines reception at the gardens of Augustine Hotel on 15 June 2022

From left: Mr. Moustafa Dahou (Chargé d’affaires, a.i. of Algeria), H.E. Ambassador Phasporn Sangasubana (Thailand), H.E. Ambassador Kenssy Dwi Ekaningsih (Indonesia), H.E. Ambassador Egemen Bağış (Turkey), H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Muteb A. Alrasheed (Saudi Arabia), H.E. Ambassador Ilirian Kuka (Albania), H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal (Philippines), H.E. Ambassador Hemant Harishchandra Kotalwar (India), H.E. Ambassador Kim Taejin (South Korea), and Mr. Kioumars Kazemi (Chargé d’affaires, a.i., Iran)

Officers and Staff of the Embassy of the Philippines in the Czech Republic: (front) Minister and Consul General Indhira C. Bañares, H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal, Ms. Irina Hovhannisyan; (back) Mr. Manuel Gascon, Ms. Lina Catbagan, Ms. Glea Saunar, and Labor Attaché Llewelyn Perez

NATIONAL DAY OF THE PHILIPPINES

From left: Meshulam Zisso (Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine), Minister and Consul General Indhira C. Bañares, H.E. Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal, and Mr. Vincent Soriano (Managing Director, Art of Travel)

Celebrating with Turkey

Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Özgür Öztürk

Ambassador Egemen Bağış officially placed a new star on the uniform of his military attaché Colonel Cem Tekin

TRT World Senior Editor Yusuf Erim and Turkish Ambassador H.E. Egemen Bağış

First Counsellor of Turkish Embassy Mrs. Isil Gurler, Ambassador Egemen Bağış, Military Ataché Colonel Cem Tekin, his daughter Cemre, his wife Mrs. Ceyda Nur Tekin, and Commercial Counselor Ms. Berat Demirci Cörüt welcomed the guests

H.E. Egemen Bağış, Turkish Ambassador and Meshulam Zisso, Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine

H.E. Mr. Nestor Francisco Popolizio, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Shahzad Aryobee, Ambassador of Afghanistan, Mrs. Eva Anderová, Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine, H.E. Mrs. Sonia Regina Guimaraes, Ambassador of Brazil, Meshulam Zisso, Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine, and H.E. Mrs. R. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

H.E. Egemen Bağış, the Turkish Ambassador to the Czech Republic, is very well known for his hospitality 15th July was the anniversary of the most important Turkish day – Democracy and National Unity Day. A special event was held at the Turkish Embassy residency on 30th August, with over 200 leading intellectuals, business people, politicians, and diplomats in attendance to celebrate the victory day. H.E. Egemen Bağış read a special message from Turkish President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan for this important day.

Turkish Airlines country representative Mr. Gokhan Çetin and his colleagues from the Prague office of Turkye´s national airline congratulated the Military Attaché of the Turkish Embassy Colonel Cem Tekin who received a rank promotion

The next generation Turkish Ambassador Egemen Bağış delivers his speech and reads the message of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E. Adish Mammadov and Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Khalid Jamali with his wife Mrs. Zahra Jamali

Guests enjoyed the ceremony

A hotel TESTS YOUR SKILLS until the last minute

In the historical center of Prague, it is quite an impossible task to find an architecturally uninteresting building, and it is right here where the Archina Design Studio is located, in the Mozarteum building. The interior of the studio itself is inspiring as well, which is further supported by the list of project designs the company has in its portfolio. The list is rather long, but let us name some well-known hotels, such as Don Giovanni, Imperial, King’s Resort, Palace Hotel, and Crowne Plaza Prague Castle. Ivo Nahálka is the long-time leader of the studio and a renowned architect, especially in the hotel construction sector.

You are well respected as an experienced hotel project design studio. Why have you focused on this demanding sector? Do you enjoy challenges in life?

First, let me set one thing straight. Sometimes, the public – even the professional public – thinks that our studio focuses solely and specifically on hotels. This is not the case. However, if you look through our list of implemented project designs, you will see that our main professional focus has come about by coincidence. In my second year of university, I chose a very complex design in Pankrác, Prague, next to the Congress Center. I took part in several competitions with that design. Right after graduation, I joined a team of architects who were designing the hotel in the end, and the project was implemented. This is the key point where my professional career really started, and this project was followed by more and more hotel project design implementations, addressing investors and hotel companies with something that the hotel world needed. It is the difference, the beauty...

What is it that makes hotel project design so challenging and unique?

A hotel is your second home when you are travelling, and you need to feel comfortable there, no matter what your preferences are. It is not a question of taste, style, or services at all. If the services provided are of high quality then it is a regular upgrade and guests are likely to come back. But it is primarily about how they perceive the hotel - the building, its interiors, and how everything is arranged to make them comfortable to sleep, work, attend a conference, go out for entertainment, swim,

exercise, enjoy good cuisine there... The complexity of hotel construction is high because several functions are accumulated in one building – basically, all the normal activities that people do from morning to evening, and from evening to morning, in some rather short periods of time and in one place. Hotel construction tests the architect in a highly challenging way. The result should support the success of a particular hotel project so that its guests will be happy to return there. The architects will actually support the hotel’s operations, in terms of the hotel’s economic results, with their design. Then, the investors will come back to you as well. Making a mistake – or multiple mistakes – in a hotel design means that no one will ever award such a job to you again. Given the number of international hotel companies, the awareness of who is really able to create a successful product in this sector is spreading rather quickly.

You have been in business for so long that you actually now get contracts to redesign hotels that you have already once designed years ago. How do you feel in such situations?

It is very satisfying to go back to an original project design and replace the interiors with new ones. Honestly, I am really very happy when the interiors are just changed in a routine way so that their basic design remains virtually the same. A large part of the clientele appreciates when the interior is the same, and guests return to the environment they are used to. It is the same as at home – or at least it used to be the case – that the basic character of the interior is the same, and you do not tend to keep

INTERVIEW WITH IVO NAHÁLKA, ARCHINA DESIGN STUDIO PRAGUE

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

changing things in order to follow the latest trends and fashions. Architecture did not work that way before. This was due to the fact that the buildings that were constructed were unique, one-of-a-kind, and filled with beauty and high-quality materials. The details were crafted with great quality, which means that the buildings, in terms of their exteriors and interiors, survived for hundreds of years. You can only come in and replace something if it is damaged in some way. But nobody tended to change anything fundamental because they knew those buildings were successful and always worked well economically. Therefore nobody changed the key features and functionalities.

It actually came back to me in a good way as well, in the sense that not only are the hotel owners coming back to us (as long as they are the same ones who built the hotel), but all those buildings are still hotels today – they have survived two waves of crisis and they are still functioning.

As an example, I was recently at the Don Giovanni Hotel and could not find a parking space there at all. In spite of the times being what they are, the hotel is exceptionally successful. It is, of course, created by the clientele, but also by those who run the hotel and have been able to sell that added value of service, of good cuisine. It is just that the hotel is so beautifully alive, it is full... It makes me happy from the point of view that not only can I afford to replace the interior, but I am able to honor the spirit that has been set up there from the beginning. This is the answer to your question.

Some buildings, including hotels, are entirely the work of a single architect, who designed them down to the smallest detail, including wallpapers, tea service, and spice sets. Are you in favour of such an approach?

Yes, I am, and let me explain why. Not only is it my personal conviction, but also if we go back to the past, we can see that there was no distinction then either between who was the architect of the building and who arranged for the interiors. Investors expected the architect they approached to design the building completely, down to the last doorknob. It exudes a tremendous power of beauty, which is extremely important for the joy and quality of life. Plus, there is another powerful energy hidden there and that is the unity of expression. It is basically what makes buildings unique.

I always like to mention the Municipal House as an example. When you go through the building as a whole, letting go of all opinions and tuning into your own feelings, you are bound to be amazed at the end of your tour of the building. Just how could it ever have happened

that someone, like the two architects (Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek), managed to design such a beautiful building, where even the interiors are absolutely perfect? It is like walking through a dream where everything is in harmony, in accord, with no contrasts anywhere. At the same time, it is never about something being boringly repetitive. On the contrary, it has such a huge power that you do not even think that there should be anything else since the synergies completely engulf you. And it is the work of the whole orchestra around the architect – the craftsmen, the artists – who create that harmony, because the architect wanted to enrich the building and he approached well-known artists to create a great result. It is more than just a unique building because it includes unique artworks that give it an even greater stamp of originality and beauty. That is how I think all buildings should work, and why I love working on designs where investors give us their confidence by ordering the design of the interiors as well. That is also precisely the wonderful challenge of being able to finish a building completely. We also design the place settings and chinaware, and take it down to the last detail. That is why you enter the house, and even after a while still feel that you are in a harmonious environment.

You mentioned investors. Have they changed during your time in the building and architecture industry? In essence, the investor who wants to build a hotel does not change. It used to be more about the investor having their own professional team, and quite often they were also hoteliers. Today you can meet multiple entities; it is usually an investor that wants to invest but does not fully understand hotels, who hires a hotel company, and awards the construction contract to a construction company. Still, otherwise, the essence is always the same. For me, the challenge is always to create – whether it is an extension, an annex building, a refurbishment, a combination, or a newly constructed building – a product that meets the expectations of the investor, as well as those of the hotel company. It means meeting the standard requirements and creating an original building that is able to attract people with its good energy, which people also love to come back to. This just shows that beauty makes sense, because it will also support economic success. In the case of a hotel, it is a regular disaster when something goes wrong. It means throwing out the entire interior, or redesigning the layout. A hotel tests you until the last minute –through construction and interiors, where mistakes are immediately apparent and cost big money. This means that it is not about some “what I would like” type of creation, but that it must have the appropriate inherent attributes.

INTERVIEW WITH IVO NAHÁLKA, ARCHINA DESIGN STUDIO PRAGUE

How was the International Trebbia Award created?

The TREBBIA International Award for Creative Activity was awarded to composer Juraj Filas In Memoriam. The award was received by Katarína Szabados and Šimon Lomský, the daughter and grandson of the laureate. The award was presented by Ivan Ženatý, violin virtuoso, and remotely via video greeting by Stanislav Kotyza, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist of Czech origin. The gala evening was moderated by Jitka Novotná (Czech Television) and Ľubomír Bajaník (Slovak Television)

Photo: Archive

2 O th anniversary of the TREBBIA International Awards. Sunday 12 June 2 O 22, Spanish Hall of Prague Castle. Broadcast live on Czech and Slovak Television, broadcast worldwide in English via the Trebbia Foundation YouTube channel and replayed on TV Noe

The TREBBIA International Award for Creative Activity was awarded to jazz singer Jana Koubková. The award was accepted on behalf of Ms Koubková by her friend, independent journalist and chairwoman of the Czech Roots Association, Martina Fialková. The award was presented by MUDr. Martin Jan Stránský, a doctor, pedagogue, publisher, and publicist, member of the Trebbia International Nomination Jury

In 1143, the Premonstratensian Canon founded the Strahov Monastery on the Prague hill Hradčany. In the years 1602–1612, the Premonstratensians and Emperor Rudolf II had a church built in gratitude for Prague having avoided the plague. This church was named after the French Saint Roch, who, at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, helped wherever the plague appeared. When Saint Roch himself fell

ill, he left France and went across the Alps to northern Italy, where he lived for many years in a shack on the banks of the Italian river Trebbia. According to the legend, an angel visited him and healed him from his illness.

In 1993, the MIRO Gallery, founded in Berlin in 1987, moved to the Church of St. Roch on Hradčany in Prague. In 2000, the MIRO Company initiated the formation of an

international award named after the Italian river Trebbia. This award was created as an expression of gratitude to entrepreneurs, patrons, and artists across all artistic genres. The Trebbia Gala Evening has been one of the most prestigious international events in the Czech and Slovak Republics over the past 20 years. The Trebbia International Awards are presented annually to laureates from many countries around the world in a live broadcast by Czech and Slovak Television, and on the Trebbia Foundation YouTube channel from 20:00 CET, with a simultaneous English translation. A replay of the Trebbia Gala Evening

was broadcasted a week later on TV Noe in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Between 2001-2022, the International Trebbia Awards was awarded to 118 laureates from 31 countries around the world (Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, the People‘s Republic of China, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Cambodia, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Hungary, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Poland, Austria, Russian Federation, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Federal Republic of Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, and Venezuela).

Laudatio for the 2O th anniversary was delivered by Daniel Peter Janáček, O.Praem., abbot of Strahov, Royal Canon of the Premonstratensians

The TREBBIA International Award for Contribution to the Dialogue of National Cultures was awarded to Phanuel Osweto, a parish priest from Kenya, working in the Czech Republic. The award was presented to him by Leoš Ryška, parish priest, director of TV Noe and Daniel Peter Janáček, O.Praem., abbot of Strahov Monastery

The TREBBIA International Award for Support of Culture and Arts was awarded to Roman Bělor, the long-time director of the Prague Spring Festival. The award was presented to him by Ilja Šmíd, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic and René Zavoral, general director of Czech Radio

The TREBBIA International Award for Contribution to the Dialogue of National Cultures was awarded to Papia Ghoshal, a versatile artist, publisher, and producer from India. The award was presented to her by Mrs. Seema Kotalwar, wife of the Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Czech Republic, and through a video greeting by H.E. Hynek Kmoníček, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the USA, member of Trebbia INJ

The TREBBIA International Award in the category for lifetime achievement was awarded to Soňa Červená, opera singer. The award was presented to her by Eva Blahová, professor of opera singing, director emeritus of the Janáček Opera Brno, member of the Trebbia INJ, and Jiří Heřman, artistic director of the National Theatre Opera Brno

Painting by Martin Šárovec “Thank God! The view of Charles Bridge 2” was auctioned by Roman Knap, the CEO of the Czech Post

The painting “St. Roch with a dog“ by Barbara Barbar Kysilková Jana Chmelařová

Soprano Alena Miro and tenor Štefan Margita performed at the benefit gala evening, accompanied by the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra, lead by conductor Leoš Svárovský

The gala evening included a benefit auction in favour of the Archa Chantal Foundation and the TREBBIA Foundation. Miro Smolák, bidder and founder of the Trebbia International Award

Pavel Šmíd’s painting “Pregnant“ was auctioned by Vladislav Stanko, founder of the European Institute of Business and Public Education

The painting “Nostalgic Poeticon 93“ by Jiří Anderle was auctioned by Vladimír Lekeš, owner of Adolf Loos Apartment & Gallery

Petr Nečas, ex-prime minister of the Czech Republic with his wife

Anton and Inga Karaseva, 1OO CZ Company; Viktoria Sion, publisher of Statuss magazine and René Sion, CEO of Dallmayr

From left: Václav Pavlas – Prague ZOO, Dhalia Yaari – a businesswoman from Israel, Meshulam Zisso - Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine, Hana Březovská –LL.M. and Jiří Březovský – VIP financial consulting

The charity cheque was received by Chantal Poullain, founder of the Archa Chantal Foundation