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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am eager to see the rest of the country, and meet and make many new friends over the next few years, in order to truly get the full experience.

How many countries have you served in so far?

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

How does being an ambassador define your lifestyle?

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

What was the best adventure you have ever had?

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

What was the weirdest thing you have dealt with?

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

Is that the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

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

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

What do you do in your free time?

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

I do have other normal hobbies and physical activities, and hope to develop new ones in this rich cultural milieu.

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

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

To increase the awareness of the Philippines in the Czech Republic, we began joining the annual Holiday World and Region World international and regional tourism fairs. Our presence may be small (in terms of exhibition space) as compared to more-budgeted countries, but our continued participation has provided us with positive results.

Additionally, we complemented our participation in the aforementioned fair with meetings with Czech travel and tour companies, including airlines, in order to promote the Philippines as a new and exciting destination for Czech nationals. The Embassy also engaged with students in the Czech Republic, by visiting them in their schools and joining their cultural activities.

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

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

What is the current status of Czechia – Philippines relations?

Relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, I believe, are progressing more dynamically. The recent visit of Prime Minister Petr Fiala to the Philippines attests to the desire of both countries to strengthen political and economic relations, build on existing areas of cooperation, and find new opportunities, as well as deepen the bonds of friendship, which were started even before we formally established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. The significance of the Czech Prime Minister’s decision to start his 10-day Asian tour in the Philippines in April 2023 is very much appreciated.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of the Philippines. Please, feel free to make a wish on this special day.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. As a Filipino, this is a proud moment for me and my countrymen because it reminds us of how far we’ve come in getting to our current state of political and economic freedom. We have a democratically elected government, and existing institutions that operate on transparency and meritocracy. We have an economy that has one of the fastest growths in the world, not just in Asia. We have a workforce that not only runs the industries of our country but also, directly and indirectly, contributes to the operations of manufacturing firms and medical institutions across the globe, including the Czech Republic. Thus, as a citizen of my country, I wish that the Philippines would preserve its values that beget equitable growth and sustainable development.

As a top diplomat of my country in the Czech Republic, I wish for deeper and stronger bonds between Filipinos and Czechs – politically, economically, and culturally. Our two nations’ strengths and needs complement each other, and it is my duty to ensure that our governments recognize these positive attributes. I hope that this 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2023 signals a new “golden age” of mutually beneficial exchanges.

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

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

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

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

Of course, there are the secular historical and cultural ties between Luxembourg and Prague, harking back to the dynastic Luxembourgish rulers of Bohemia in the Middle Ages, and in particular the “builder king” Charles IV. In this regard, it is striking – and it has been mentioned by many of my Czech friends – how actually similar the landscape of our two countries is, dotted by numerous castles, with its green valleys and lush farmlands and vineyards. One can safely say that there is a “mental Charles Bridge” between our two nations, which explains how easily we have re-established ties after the decennia of forced separation during the Cold War.

Czechs and Luxembourgers share a basic tendency to address issues in a calm, dispassionate, and consensual way. This was probably brought about by their insular and landlocked situation in the centre of Europe, and by their similar experiences of successive foreign rule over the centuries. This has also strengthened their respective national identities, at the same time making them acutely aware of the necessity for good-neighbourly relations and international cooperation.

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

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

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

H.E. Ronald Dofing, Ambassador of Luxembourg

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

As one of the founding members of the European Union, Luxembourg is constantly striving to spread the message of solidarity and integration, based on the rule of law and respect of civic and individual rights. European integration is in the DNA of most Luxembourgers, and the Czech Republic is a natural ally in this endeavour. The role of the Embassy in Prague is therefore to strengthen our ties on all levels of a “citizen’s Europe”, apart from the more traditional duties of economic and political networking.

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

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

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

How do you spend your free time in Czechia?

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

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

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

I was also struck by the quality of the welcome given to me by the Czechs, in particular at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Work relations are pleasant and efficient – we are really “like-minded”. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended the normal functioning of society for almost two years. The embassies were very affected, since their work is essentially based on meeting new interlocutors and organizing events… The COVID-19 pandemic, however, allowed me to experience new professional experiences, such as the repatriation of Belgian tourists in transit through Prague, from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal, which Czech Airlines had flown back to Europe as part of a European mutual aid program. Here too, I was able to appreciate the rigour and professionalism of the competent Czech authorities, and their real sense of solidarity. Something I would also like to mention is the presence in Prague of a particularly dynamic Diplomatic Spouse Association, which constitutes a real asset for the diplomatic community. Let me also mention another matter, which kept us very busy: my wife and I had to leave the Residence that the Belgian ambassadors had occupied in Prague since 1965, and after a year spent in a temporary residence, we were lucky enough to be able to rent a perfectly suitable residence from the Czech government. It is the Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is our interlocutor, and we are very grateful to them for having given this possibility to Belgium.

Among the issues that we have to follow very closely, there is, obviously, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and we can admire the very clear commitment of the government of Petr Fiala in support of this country, including by welcoming a record number of refugees. And simultaneously, our outstanding experience was of course the Czech Presidency of the EU, which was accompanied by numerous visits by Belgian ministers and senior officials, totally mobilizing the Embassy.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

It’s never being able to do everything you should be doing! An embassy must inform the authorities of the country it represents about the country where it is located, in a lot of areas. The number of staff in embassies has often been reduced in recent years, while international cooperation is intensifying. We must therefore constantly make choices and neglect certain interesting issues. In fact, promoting the establishment of cooperation between two countries is by definition an unlimited task. It is not only a question of informing, but also of explaining and convincing in order to effectively defend the interests of one’s country, which requires constant information work. Fortunately, we can count on the commitment and efficiency of our team of Czech (and Slovak!) collaborators, who are excellent and fully dedicated. And, of course, the life of diplomats also poses challenges to their families: the partners most often have to give up their own careers, and the children must constantly leave their school environment and their ring of friends. In our case, the situation was made even more complicated by the fact that we have a child with a mental handicap. I want to say that I am lucky to have a wife who has totally and effectively supported me in this endeavour!

How many countries have you served in so far?

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

What do you do in your free time?

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

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

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

How do you promote your country as a holiday destination?

The promotion of tourism in Belgium is a competence that belongs to the three Regions of Belgium. They are represented in Prague, and defend their commercial interests, with the support of the Embassy, also making themselves known as tourist destinations. We also distribute promotional material when we have the opportunity, especially during European Days.

Ambassador Gregoire Cuvelier and his wife Mrs. Bernadette Cuvelier

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

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

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

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

Is CVRK more about things or people?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can we imagine such a platform?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think that’s our main mission.

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

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

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

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

First of all, let me say that working in another country as a diplomat is a wonderful feeling. Throughout a diplomatic career, one works in different countries and experiences joyful and/or challenging moments in those countries. Essentially, you become a part of that society, and learn the culture and traditions of that particular people. Therefore, I think that every diplomat should be able to not only respect but also love the country where he/she works, as well as the people of that particular country. Nevertheless, along with such wonderful feelings, ambassadors, as the heads of diplomatic missions, have to deal with this or that problem. For example, you come across fake news about your country in the host country ́s media, and you see that this information is not accidental, but part of the propaganda against your country. Or one of the main figures of a certain political party gives false information to the public by distorting the political processes in the country you represent, either knowingly or unknowingly. Undoubtedly, ambassadors have to “sweat” in order to eliminate such problems. The most undesirable situation for ambassadors is the presence of unfriendly relations between the country they represent and the receiving country.

The security problems of a diplomatic mission and its employees are also of constant concern. It is true that the Czech Republic pays high attention to these issues, and, availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the law enforcement agencies of the Czech Republic. Nonetheless, for example, the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in London by radical Islamists last year, or the fact that a terrorist armed with an automatic weapon entered the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran, in front of the Iranian police, committing a terrorist act which resulted in the death of a security official, are both vivid examples that, even today, diplomatic missions face security issues.

H.E. Adish Mammadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan

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

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

Does your country want to join the EU and NATO?

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

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

What is the current status of Czech-Azerbaijani relations?

Azerbaijani-Czech relations are based on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, and this year we are already celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Political relations between our countries are at a high level. In 2015, during the official visit of President Miloš Zeman to Baku, relations were brought to a new level with the strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries. Azerbaijan is also the largest trading partner of the Czech Republic in the South Caucasus, as Azerbaijan accounts for approximately 80% of the Czech trade turnover with the Caucasian countries.

It is worth mentioning that one in every three cars in the streets of the Czech Republic is fuelled by Azerbaijani oil. By the way, currently, negotiations between ČEZ and SOCAR are underway regarding natural gas, and I believe that these negotiations will have a positive outcome in the near future.

There are great opportunities for Czech companies and Czech businesses in Azerbaijan. Such business opportunities became even more available after the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from a nearly 30-year-long occupation by Armenia. Azerbaijan now aims to fully recover the liberated territories. Despite the fact that the scale of the devastation makes the economic recovery process complex and time-consuming, Azerbaijan wants to transform the liberated territories into areas of high-tech development. New roads, new airports, new towns – everything is being rebuilt, and billions of dollars are invested in these projects by the Azerbaijani government and foreign investors. As with other foreign companies, Czech companies are also welcome to participate in these construction projects. Today, Free Economic Zones are being created in Azerbaijan, and foreign companies are offered incredible concessions to operate in these zones. Considering that there is a large market around Azerbaijan, where at least 500 million people live, the products produced by the Czech companies that will operate in the Free Economic Zones can be delivered to Central Asia, the Middle East, and other nearby regions in a short period of time, and with the most reasonable transportation costs. I hope that Czech companies will appreciate such opportunities.

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

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

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

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

A new start with a new brooch

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

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

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

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

Jewelry for Eva Pavlová, Photo: Štěpán Mamula

Contemporary art as a means of free expression

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

“It’s great to travel for inspiration because I like people, their stories and what they have to say, their relationships… When I travel, I just discover new cultures, new people, and a new world.”

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

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

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

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

Soul ring, Photo: Tomáš Souček

Step by step, building upon small successes

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

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

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

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

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

“This is what I love about making jewellery, that it’s infinite, you can still learn something new.” Specifically reflecting on her collection titled ‘In Between’, which is a brooch collection made from several types of wood and incorporating various unique stones, Růžičková describes having the strong feeling that these mediums needed to be used and felt, but did not realize until later what the significance of that was.

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

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

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

Eva Růžičková, Czech Jewelry Designer

Preparing a new collection for Designblok

In the near future, Růžičková will be going back to her roots and designing a collection to be exhibited at Designblok in October 2023. For this next collection, she wants to continue drawing from the famous brooch worn by First Lady Eva Pavlová (inspired by her own feelings of relief and hope), alongside incorporated aspects from previous collections, for concept and style inspiration.

Růžičková has created a successful career and an admirable reputation for herself through hard work and pure passion. Using her personal experiences as inspiration for design, her jewellery is able to capture her own intentions, as well as the state of the beholder, in abstract, yet eloquent ways.

It was no easy path to success. Růžičková encountered many challenges along the way, but her ambitions prevailed as her individuality and talent ultimately set her apart.

“If you are afraid of something, or afraid that you won’t do it perfectly, that is the biggest block. That is what will stop you and it’s a pity…

I try to learn from the past and not stress myself out over the work that I love. I know that I always want to do my best.”

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Up until 160 years ago, Japan was a decentralized state, divided into 300 fiefs of regional lords (daimyo). This led to the development of a number of competing cultures, unique to each different part of Japan, symbolized by its castles, schools, cityscapes, and crafts, which are boasted as ‚local pride‘. They are multifaceted marvels.

We must also not forget the Japanese food culture. Sushi is now widely popular around the world, but of course we have more. In the countryside, you could find a wealth of local delicacies and specialities. Every time you visit a new place, I could assure you that you will encounter a different taste.

What is the current status of Czechia – Japan relations?

Japan and the Czech Republic are strategic partners who share fundamental values, and our long-time friendship is steadily developing. We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the bilateral exchanges in 2020, and this year (2023) marks the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.

We have a long tradition of economic cooperation, driven by over 270 Japanese companies operating in the Czech Republic that play an active role in the Czech economy and contribute to its export, creating more than 52,000 jobs. The Japan-EU EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement), entered into force in 2019, has quickly boosted bilateral trade from 3.4 billion Euros in 2018 to 5 billion in 2022. Noteworthy is the sharp increase in Moravian wine export to Japan.

The cultural exchanges in various fields such as architecture, literature, painting, and music have also been the spiritual backbone of our friendship.

What about the political and security areas?

We must step up our cooperation in the political and security areas. The two countries today share each other’s visions, and tackle various agendas on the world stage.

First, the response to the war in Ukraine. Together, along with other like-minded countries, Japan and the Czech Republic are leading in imposing tough sanctions against Russia, and strongly supporting Ukraine. Japan is also assisting Ukrainian refugees who fled to the Czech Republic, by providing over 2 million USD to international organizations operating here.

A strong bond of solidarity. Realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific is another common goal. The Czech Republic formulated its Indo-Pacific Strategy last September, while Japan adopted a new National Defence Strategy in December.

Both documents mention each other’s country as a trustworthy partner for deepening cooperation. Our relationship is stepping forward into a new phase. Third, achieving a carbon-neutral sustainable society. We share the common goal of “realizing carbon neutrality by 2050”. This is highly challenging, but it is also a great opportunity for new business cooperation, and for innovation with the aim of enhancing energy security.

To achieve this goal, we have many options: renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) or CO2 Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies, etc. I firmly believe that Japan and the Czech Republic, with their traditional excellence in science and technology, have great potential for future cooperation in these areas.

To conclude this interview, do you have a wish for both countries?

2023 is the year of the rabbit in the traditional Asian calendar. It symbolizes a great leap forward, and prosperity. I wish that 2023 will be a year that takes our friendship and cooperation to another higher level, and brings blessing to the people of our two countries and of the world.

We are working on instruments that should motivate a larger reinvestment in research and innovation, such as tax deductions. We also strive to provide bigger support for start-ups and improve the conditions for knowledge and technology transfer between academia and the corporate world.

Why should we innovate?

Innovation generally means adding value, either through efficiency gains or by creating new value. This in itself is a good reason to innovate. However, the importance of truly significant innovations is elsewhere: they are not isolated improvements. Innovation spills over. If you manage to break through in an area, it can have far-reaching consequences in other areas as well. This is how a competitive economy focused on high-added value is created.

Technology and innovation – are they the same thing?

Innovation is a much wider concept. It can be about processes, and not just in the technological sense. For instance, we can speak about innovative educational methods. I believe education must follow the fundamental changes society is going through, including digitalization. If we do not want to proceed via trial and error, then we need to engage in pedagogical research. This has two essential conditions: that researchers come up with concrete answers to fundamental societal questions, and that policymakers base their policies on these findings. We have reserves in both steps.

Helena Langšádlová, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation; Photo by: Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

What is the weirdest thing you have encountered in our country?

Visiting the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora, a Roman Catholic chapel filled with bones, was a bizarre yet enlightening experience. It left me with a newfound admiration for the Czech’s imaginative ingenuity. Another highlight, not weird but quite adventurous, was organizing a visit of a group of over 100 members of the Indian community to Bohemian Switzerland. Furthermore, the participation of senior citizens in this adventure was inspirational.

H.E. Hemant Kotalwar, Ambassador of India

Is there a large Indian community in Czechia?

Over recent years, the Indian community in the Czech Republic has seen a substantial increase in numbers. From tech-savvy IT professionals to entrepreneurial business owners, the Indian community has made its mark in the Czech Republic. At present, there are over 8,500 Indians residing in the country, with around 1,500 students studying at various universities. While a small number of Indians have been living in the Czech Republic since the 1980s, the majority have arrived in the last few years.

India is among the popular holiday destinations for Czech people. How do you promote your country?

India has been an important tourist destination over the past several decades, with temples and yoga, the Himalayas and beaches, all holding an attraction to the Czechs. The electronic visa scheme for EU nationals has been a major success. In the post-COVID world, we are looking at several initiatives through tourism road shows, publicity campaigns, participating in tourism-specific exhibitions etc. Around 20,000 Czech tourists visit India annually.

What is the status of Czechia – India relations?

The India-Czechia bilateral relationship is characterized by warmth, friendship, and a strong history of cooperation. Over the past several years, the relations have further deepened, with high-level visits from both sides. The visits of former President of India

Mr Ramnath Kovind to the Czech Republic in 2018, and that of former Czech Prime Minister Mr Andrej Babiš to India in 2019, have indeed elevated the relationship to new heights. The two Foreign Ministers met in Prague in June 2022, and in Vienna in January 2023. We are looking forward to the visit of Czech Foreign Minister H.E. Mr Jan Lipavský, accompanied by a business delegation, to India very soon.

Bilateral trade and investment relations are also improving significantly. Defence and Science & Technology cooperation constitute important pillars of our relationship. Over the past several years, the Czech Republic has become an important centre for higher learning for Indian students – especially in the in fields of medicine, engineering, and the humanities.

This year, India is celebrating its Republic Day and 75th independence anniversary. Would you like to say a word on this occasion?

Representing my country abroad is an honour, and occasions to celebrate Republic Day abroad are always a matter of great pride. This Republic Day comes at a time when we Indians are celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an occasion to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. As India enters into Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long leadup to India@100, India is proud and humbled to have the Czech Republic by its side, a country with whom it has had a strong friendly relationship since historical times.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

As a woman ambassador in a very friendly country with a long tradition of bilateral cooperation, I am very honoured and pleased to fulfil my mandate in such conditions. But as much as being an ambassador is a really exciting job, it has its downsides when it comes to family life. Finding a balance in this area can get complicated; to me this might be the most difficult part of being an ambassador, or a diplomat in general.

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

I am not 100% sure that we will need ambassadors in the classical sense of the word in the future. Anyway, younger generations are going to need a lot of flexibility and wit to adapt to the new requirements of the job, particularly new technologies and the new international challenges.

What was your first impression of the Czech Republic after your arrival?

I first came to the Czech Republic in January 2020, and Prague looked like a winter wonderland with its numerous Christmas markets and weather that is so different from the Tunisian one I got used to. I was struck by the uniqueness of Prague; the city was incomparable to any other place I had been to.

Then, throughout the three years I spent in Czechia, I had the opportunity to build many friendships, and to discover the richness and refinement of Czech culture. I also had a chance to visit many cities in the Czech Republic, amongst which were the most famous cities of Brno, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov. I must admit that this country has some of the most inspiring landscapes I have ever laid eyes on, making me understand why so many artists were inspired by the Czech Republic in their works.

It is a pleasure to hear that your first impression of Prague was so magical. Can you share more of your three-year experience in the country?

Time goes by very fast! Almost two years of this period were taken by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its related measures and restrictions. I think that this difficult episode of our lives will be unforgettable, especially for us diplomats. Indeed, direct contact is an indispensable tool in our work.

Despite that, I can say that during my stay in Prague I have had the chance and pleasure of representing the country of the Jasmine Revolution in the country of the Velvet Revolution. I met remarkable interlocutors, understanding and attentive to see peace and stability reign in Tunisia, which remains a close partner of Europe.

The strongest moment for me remains the gesture of friendship and solidarity that the Czech authorities expressed towards my country in July 2021, by offering Tunisia medical protective equipment at a time when the health crisis reached a critical level in my country.

H.E. Yosra Soudien, Ambassador of Tunisia

Tell us about Tunisia, please.

Tunisia is an ambitious country known for its cultural diversity and the 3,000 year-old civilisation of Carthage. My country’s position is a real geo-strategic asset for Tunisia, and has been for centuries: located at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, it is a perfect pathway between the north and south of the

Mediterranean Sea, as well as between Europe and Africa. Moreover, Tunisia is a country with a young promising population that is qualified in several fields (such as medicine, engineering, law, etc.), and I believe that it is the result of the great choices Tunisia has made since its first years of independence. In fact, Tunisia has invested all of its resources in building a modern and liberal society, where education has been accessible to all citizens, serving as a social elevator, and where women’s rights have always been guaranteed by the Personal Status Code of 1956.

A group of four Tunisian civil society organisations were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. What did they win the prize for?

As we just talked about, and it‘s important to remind it, Tunisia is a young, educated, and liberal nation that spoke out in 2011, demanding freedom, dignity, and employment, hence igniting the sparks of the Jasmine Revolution and embarking the country on a political, economic, and social transition. Since the process was not always easy from a political and economic point of view, and did not respond to the initial aspirations of the Tunisian people for a prosperous and stable democracy, Tunisia is now, after only a decade of transition, trying to rectify the process in order to consolidate its position as a lasting democratic experience in our region. In fact, the consecration of the democratic process, the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms are irrevocable and guaranteed as the foundation of social peace – for which Tunisia won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.

You represented your country in many multilateral conferences and forums, and you served as a representative of your country to UNESCO. Are such organisations still relevant today?

More than ever. The international system is, nowadays, an essential tool for diplomacy and international cooperation (whether bilateral, regional, or global).

Since the pandemic, it has been proven that not a single country can survive on its own. Climate-related issues are also a global concern, as well as globalisation as a whole, and the ongoing economic crisis we are facing.

Moreover, the fight against all forms of organised crime (such as the trafficking of weapons and human beings) and terrorist groups requires a combination of efforts and the exchange of expertise, making these international organisations relevant bodies.

What is the current status of Czechia – Tunisia relations?

I am pleased to tell you that the relations of friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and the Czech Republic, based since their creation on sincerity, mutual respect and trust, have been characterised during the past three years by a newfound dynamism. This especially resulted in the holding of a session of political consultations at the level of the Secretaries of State of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, as well as many official contacts such as the visit of our Minister of Tourism. On the other hand, Czech people know Tunisia mainly as a tourist destination, and we would like to translate these friendship bonds into tight economic relations, reflecting the potential of both countries. Thus, we are organising a mixed economic commission this year, which will allow us to discuss together the means of strengthening and diversifying trade volume. Our trade in 2022 reached over 469,862,000 Euros, making Tunisia represent 11% of the Czech Republic’s trade with Africa, its 3rd biggest African supplier, and 4th biggest customer on the continent.

In this regard, the embassy makes every effort to promote Tunisia as a hub in Africa, and an open gate to many regional markets. Furthermore, we are working on connecting the economic operators of both countries in Prague, as well as in other dynamic regions of Czechia such as Brno and Zlín. A delegation of Tunisian businessmen visited Prague and Brno last November, and I hope that we could open up to various areas such as digital, mechanical, electrical, agrifood, and pharmaceutical industries, in which Tunisia is becoming a confirmed destination of foreign direct investments. In this context, I should also mention that we are benefiting from Czech expertise in the field of water treatment and management.

The prospects are promising, and, with my team, we will try to develop these exchanges.

You mentioned Czech tourists in Tunisia. Are you promoting your country to see tourist numbers rise even more?

Yes, it is part of our mission at the embassy to further increase this number, and to make my country, which is only a two- hour flight away from Prague, better known to Czech tourists. Although known as a seaside tourism destination, Tunisia attracts tourists all year round as it has plenty to offer in winter too. In fact, it is the most popular season for thalasso centres and spas, with visitors from all around the world. It is also in winter that Tunisian and European golfers flock to our golf courses.

You can explore the country’s cultural richness, with Carthage of course, but also Dougga, Bulla Regia, and the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem. There are also many other amazing sites and gorgeous museums like the Bardo in Tunis and the archeological museum in Sousse, well known for their exceptional collections of mosaics. The Tunisian Sahara is also becoming a popular destination for adventurers who enjoy racing and motorbike, 4×4, and quad bike adventures. Fortunately, after two years of the pandemic, the Czech tourist market is recovering, and even exceeds the levels witnessed before the health crisis. The figures of the Tunisian National Tourist Office recorded, in 2022, the entry of 111,243 Czech tourists (the 4th ranking nationality of tourists), against 12,692 in 2021 (an increase of +776.5%), and 107, 584 in 2019 (which was the reference year).

Tunisian officials certainly see this as a sign of the Czech people’s trust in our country. Perhaps it is also a sign of rapprochement, and we highly appreciate the cooperation between the two countries in the times of the pandemic, when Prague and Tunis put the two destinations on their list of safe countries and mutually recognized each other’s vaccination certificates.

There is no doubt that tourists can certainly enjoy their holidays in Tunisia. What about you – what do you do in your free time?

I love reading and music. During the numerous lockdowns we went through, I tried to do every activity I wanted to experience before, and I discovered the plastic arts, and, my favourite activity now, painting.

Lately, I have been trying to go sightseeing in the Czech Republic, and enjoy the beauty and cultural richesses of the country (my favourite city being Český Krumlov).

This interview is done on the occasion of your National Day. What are you wishing for your country? And for the Czech Republic?

There are many similarities between our two countries and people, whose histories are affectionately linked to the Velvet Revolution and the Jasmine Revolution. In my country, we can consider that we have succeeded in making great strides since 2010, and the political transition is underway, despite all the difficulties it has encountered. The most important challenge to win is to achieve great economic reforms, and the process has already begun. The same thing happened in the Czech Republic, and the results are impressive. Your model can only be an inspiration to us.

So, as we celebrate one of the most important events of sovereign, free, open, and modern Tunisia, the 67th anniversary of its independence, I believe that Tunisia can count on its national assets, its dynamic and ambitious youth, as well as on the support and understanding of its partners, to find the path of economic prosperity to which the Tunisian people aspire.

I wish for both Tunisia and Czechia to stay prosperous and stable. To my fellow citizens here in the Czech Republic, and to all Tunisians, I also extend my best wishes for prosperity and personal accomplishments.

My years with the Commission gave me the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of the Civil and Public Services of Ghana, and made it possible for me to fit into the scheme of affairs at the Foreign Ministry. Thanks to hard work and a dedicated service, I went through the ranks as a career officer. Finally, in 2021, I was recommended for the position of ambassador by the Minister after 19 years at the Ministry, which was graciously approved by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander in Chief of Ghana. I was appointed an Ambassador of Ghana to the Czech Republic.

What are your impressions of Czechia?

I arrived in the beautiful and well-acclaimed United Nations heritage city of Prague on 27th September 2021. It means that I have been in the Czech Republic for a year and five months, to be precise. I arrived during the COVID-19 period.

I can vividly remember my first impression of a city with warm and loving people, ready to engage in conversation with foreigners and share a beer with them. In addition to the warmth of the nationals, the Czech Republic introduced itself to me as a country that protects everyone. The security of the capital city and the country as a whole is superb, and one can go around performing his diplomatic duties without any hindrance.

The layout of the city and its architecture reminded me of the city of Rome. The cathedrals, Charles Bridge, the Zoo, the great buildings of Prague 6, and the city’s history will forever remain in my memories. I noted that Prague, with its numerous tourists, never sleeps. I love the City of Prague and its inhabitants. There was truly a great transformation from socialism to capitalism, and the adaptation and the speed of development that took place in the Czech Republic are really tremendous and mind-blowing. The Czechs are hardworking people, and I am proud to be among Ghana’s ambassadors to serve in this country.

Where did you serve before being appointed to the Czech Republic?

As I already mentioned, I started my career with the Public Services Commission of Ghana after completing my National Service with the Commission in 1992. After working there for ten years, I left with the grade of Senior Administrative Officer/ Assistant Director I.

That period was followed by working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After five years, I was posted to Rome in October 2005, first as a desk officer for Political and Economic Affairs and later as a Deputy Head of Mission. My duty tour in Rome ended in September 2009.

Back home in 2009, I served as Deputy Director at the Human Resources and Administration Bureau of the Ministry under the late Ambassador Ekow Yankey. This was until 2012, when I was posted to the Ghana Mission in Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa as Minister-Counsellor, and assisted the ambassador in the discharge of his duties. It was a challenging post, in the sense that I was not a Spanish scholar and depended on translators most of the time when dealing with local officials. The tour was fruitful in the end, and I returned home in August 2016. It’s worth noting that I earned my promotion to the grade of Director while serving in Malabo. Back at the Foreign Ministry in Accra, I served in various capacities at the Human Resources and Administration Bureau and the Americas Bureau, before I was appointed as Head of the Africa and Regional Integration Bureau, as well as Head of the ECOWAS National Office. Later, I headed the Ministry’s Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Bureau, before my posting to the country’s mission in Cuba, Havana in January 2017 as Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head for one year.

Then, I was crossed-posted to Lagos, Nigeria, where I spent three years as Ghana’s Consul General at the Lagos consulate. In August 2021, I was appointed as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic. I am concurrently accredited to the Slovak Republic, the Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Poland, and Hungary. As an ambassador, I presented my credentials to His Excellency President Miloš Zeman at the Lány Chateau on Monday 20th December 2021.

From right: Mr. Ahmed Tijani Abubakari, Deputy Head of Ghana Mission; H.E. Mr. James Komla Nyasembi, Ambassador of Ghana; and Dr. John Y. Logah, Ghanaian Neurosurgeon in the Czech Republic with a team who intend to setup a Ghana Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT )

What do you find the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

The truth is that compliments from friends and colleagues become history once you report at the post and dive into action as an ambassador. First of all, you have to develop your own strategy on how to have an effective and efficient team in place in order to aid the work of the ambassador.

If the Head of Chancery, the Deputy Head of Mission, and the Secretary to the Ambassador are “seated well” and provide the needed support, then everything is all right and you can enjoy smooth sailing. A strong team provides magnificent results. And I do have such a team in place.

Some of the difficulties encountered by ambassadors in the discharge of their duties may relate to the following: a language barrier, a lack of effective planning for the mission, and an inability to attend all diplomatic meetings if two or three are planned for the same day. Another aspect of these difficulties may relate to satisfying the needs of your countrymen and women in the host country. Fortunately for me, a larger number of Ghanaians in the Czech Republic are in suitable employment, and respect the laws and rules of the country. Our students here are also hard working, and take their studies seriously.

Information gathering, negotiation, and getting the needed support from institutions in the host country are all vital to the success of an ambassador. The Ghanaian mission has enjoyed favourable relations with the Czech Foreign Ministry; hence difficulties are limited. My major challenge, unfortunately, is the lack of funds to carry out the planned activities. However, some Ghanaians who studied in Czechia are at the forefront and help to promote Ghana in many fields.

To summarize my answer, I can state that the difficulties are minimal with my strong team of officers and Ghanaians in the Czech Republic.

You are not a career diplomat; how did you prepare for your ambassadorial duties?

Indeed, as you can see from my previous answer, this is my first experience as an ambassador. I consider it a high honor, having been proposed to occupy the position of Ambassador in the Czech Republic by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.

During my work in the science sector, I accumulated experience in short-term work missions to different countries in Latin America, Europe, and Africa, which certainly contributed to my preparation as an ambassador. Diplomatic work is a new and good experience for me.

You have been in the Czech Republic for four years. What did you learn about us Czechs?

My experience in the Czech Republic has been very positive and comforting. I have been able to meet interesting people, and see very beautiful and preserved places. I have also learnt about the character of the Czech people and your sense of responsibility and discipline, as well as the way you organize your work.

Many people in the Czech Republic know about my country, either because they worked there for a while, have relatives who did, or because they went to Cuba as tourists. In all cases, they keep very pleasant memories of their stay in Cuba and let me know (about it), which also makes us Cubans feel better. Unfortunately, during the four years we all lived through the experience of COVID-19, which prevented me from having further contact and visiting other regions of the country. Despite this, I have managed to visit several regions. I saw some factories, research centers, universities, schools, and social centers. I also met with local authorities and Czech friends, with whom I had the opportunity to share and talk about Cuba and the relations between both countries.

Did you have to change your lifestyle when you became a diplomat?

I believe that being an ambassador does not substantially change my lifestyle. It is a new experience for me, in which I have had the opportunity to meet colleagues from different countries and exchange experiences with them.

It is also a major responsibility to be the representative of my country before the Czech authorities, which I have assumed with dedication, and the desire to do the best possible job.

Can you give a piece of advice to the young people who wish to become responsible ambassadors in the future?

My advice to new ambassadors is very simple: prepare very well, study and learn every day, be well informed, and have a general and comprehensive knowledge of culture that allows you to talk about different topics, within reason. Don’t complicate things, and be grateful for the opportunity to meet new cultures and people.

Since you worked at the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment of Cuba for many years, would you like to share a piece of wisdom in this respect here?

I do not think I am able to advise the Czech Republic on these issues. I can only say that collaboration, and scientific and technical cooperation between different countries, is a way to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between people who live in different regions – it is an effective contribution towards peace between peoples.

In all countries, big or small, there are opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other. Science and technology, when used correctly, render an invaluable service to friendship and solidarity, and will allow us to build a better world for all.

Many Czech people find Cuba a fascinating holiday destination. Do you support this inclination?

I agree that Cuba is a very interesting tourist destination for the Czechs. Despite there being no direct flights between Prague and Havana, as there were in previous years, over 10,000 Czech tourists went to Cuba annually before the pandemic. In 2022, the Cuban tourist destination began to recover, and around 5,000 tourists traveled to Cuba. We hope that in 2023 this figure will multiply and reach its previous levels.

Cuba has tourist facilities in all of its provinces, beautiful beaches, a pleasant atmosphere, and above all very friendly people, who are always willing to help tourists and people who visit the country.

Czech tourists really like to tour Cuba, and among their preferred destinations are Viñales, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, the paradisiacal keys, and of course Havana and Varadero. In our consulate, there is tourist information about Cuba, supported by different media that those who visit us like a lot. At the Prague and Brno Tourism Fairs, we also have an annual promotional stand that is highly visited by attendees. Several Czech travel agencies organize trips to Cuba, and facilitate the stay of tourists in our country. The granting of tourist visas is also a very simple and expedited process.

Ambassador Danilo Alonso and Vanesa Ortego Guerrero, First Secretary in charge of consular affairs

How did you become the Mayor of Prague 1?

When you work in the back office of a political party for some time, meet the politicians daily, and know the legislation processes, it is only logical that one day you think it is time to take some of the political responsibility into your own hands. And that makes you think about where you can be useful.

I have lived in Prague 1 all my life, so it was a natural decision to work in this area. I was very lucky to find support, and meet many dedicated people in the regional TOP09 branch here. From this point, it was just one step to run for office. And becoming mayor? For this, I am grateful to the people who voted for me.

What is the mayor responsible for? Are the eight working hours enough for that?

I can see four basic roles for a mayor to fulfil. Firstly, the mayor is a statutory representative by law. This means he or she represents the municipality in formal acts such as signing contracts, official meetings, and negotiations. This relates to the second role, which is the social one – representing the municipality at various cultural, social, and diplomatic events and meetings, maintaining existing contacts, and establishing new ones that can contribute to the development of the district. The third role takes place on a management level.

The mayor is the head of the council, manages its meetings, and together with the councillors establishes a development strategy for the city. He or she must also work with the opposition to prevent conflicts which can divide the citizens. And the fourth role is being a person responsible to the citizens. The mayor must keep their doors open for the citizens at all times, always being prepared to meet, hear out, and, whenever possible, help the citizens. Personally, I find this role the most important, as it establishes a mutual trust between the citizens and the municipality administration.

And how many hours do I work?

I usually start at 8 a.m., because I still have to make sure my children are at school in the morning. Sometimes, I finish by 6 p.m., and then there are either some social events in the evening, or I study various materials at home. So, I estimate this to be about 12 hours per day on average.

Prague 1 Councillor for Health Michal Müller, Mayor of Prague1 Terezie Radoměřská, Head of Prague1 Financial Committee Giancarlo Lamberti

Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská and Karel Schwarzenberg, politician, founder of TOP09

You were elected as the Mayor of Prague 1 several months ago. Can you share some of your impressions so far?

First of all, it has been a big joy because it is a clear result of the long-time efforts by our TOP09 team. But it has also been a feeling of responsibility, not only to the people who voted for me but to the whole district. Originally, I was a history student. Maybe that is why I feel a deep responsibility to both the generations of the past and of the future. We are just temporarily managing the area for the future, but we will always be compared with our best predecessors, and will always be a good or bad inspiration for those who will come after us.

Where in Prague 1 do you see the most issues to be worked on?

The city of Prague – and especially our district – faces a big challenge with over-tourism and all of its related negative aspects. It is up to us to make sure that the locals will not leave the centre of the city, and that it does not become just an empty ‘museum’. Another problem is the traffic, which is a heavy burden for the central district, including the related problems with parking. We also need to pay enough attention to challenges connected with climate change, especially (by committing) to plant more trees.

I hope we can implement our program, and find solutions to the most significant challenges. We want to create a place where tourists are the welcome guests, who also act like guests. Where the locals can park, the centre does not look like a supermarket parking lot, and the summer temperatures do not climb so high that you cannot breathe. We would like – and this is very important for me – for our citizens to feel at home here.

What is your working strategy for Prague 1 for the next four years?

We would like to reduce alcotourism, not only by getting effectively in touch with local businesses but also by municipal police enforcing. We would like residential parking zones to be truly available for the residents. We would like to make the city greener, and to have local citizens be involved participants in the development of the district. We have so many topics that we cannot be sure if four years will be enough!

A mayor’s job tends to come with a lot of criticism. How will you handle that?

I think it is alright to criticize someone, as long as the criticism makes a point and is done in a decent manner. It makes me sad when someone, not knowing the true background of things, automatically accuses others of failing. On the other hand, I am learning not to pay attention to vulgarisms and dirty manners – though thankfully they are not too common – as they say more about their author than about me.

Four years from now, will people say that you were effective?

I hope so! We have a good team and good ideas, and we know how to implement them. But please, ask me this question again in four years.

Working with light is incredibly important as it fundamentally affects our mood, health, and how we perceive the spaces we create. We work with experienced lighting consultants to ensure that we encapsulate the benefits of the right light spectrum, light source, and intensity into our projects.

The era of big central lights is over. It is now all about creating a combination of differing atmospheres that showcase what careful lighting can bring to different zones within the spaces we are creating.

How is the green movement reflected in recent trends?

There is an accelerating trend towards the use of sustainable materials that are kinder to the environment. This includes using local origin materials, and taking into consideration the entire product lifecycle – from sourcing, manufacturing, and the possibilities for future re-use and recycling. We have to target a circular economy approach in all of our projects, but especially for interior design, where the lifecycles between fit-outs are shorter than the whole lifecycle of the buildings we are working in.

We are also looking forward to seeing what new trends will be presented to the interior design world at Salone del Mobile in April, in Milan.

What projects are you currently working on with your team in Prague?

We are working on the interiors for the W hotel Prague, on Wenceslas Square. Our role is to provide complex interior design services, including technical support for the client and fit-out contractors. This includes liaison with the hotel operator, the concept designers, the heritage authorities, and the full consultant team – all right up to completion.

It is a very challenging, but extremely interesting, project, not just because of the high level of finishing standards for the W brand, but also because of the uniqueness of the architectural style, its history, and its incredible location. The building is an important landmark in Czech architectural history, and this heritage must be preserved for the future, whilst delivering the very best guest experience in the Czech hospitality market. So, it is a privilege and a wonderful experience for the whole team. We have also learned a lot working on this project, and believe that Hotel Evropa will retake its dignified and prominent space on the square very soon.

There are also several other exciting projects, some in the Czech Republic and some abroad, which we are already looking at. Some of these are really interesting, so I hope we can present them to you very soon.

Prague 2 is located in the city centre, and is therefore heavily burdened by traffic. At the same time, however, it falls within the urban conservation area and the Prague Heritage Area. My wish is to develop Prague 2, with respect to traditions and openness to new trends. We care for our part of the city, yet we do not forget that the city is supposed to serve its residents. Like other world capitals, Prague is struggling with the complex issue of how to solve traffic. We, in Prague 2, for example, are currently fighting against poorly set rules for micro-transport (bike-sharing companies). Scattered scooters often and dangerously lie in the middle of the sidewalk, and their careless users endanger pedestrians with their riding – these issues trouble Prague residents. Everything would be easier if traffic in Prague was managed more conceptually, and uniform rules were set.

Do you see any major challenges for you and your colleagues on the journey towards reaching your set goals?

Without a doubt, the leadership of the capital city of Prague is an important partner for city districts. In recent years, we have found ourselves in difficult situations due to different political leadership and different ideas. I believe that soon this situation will stabilize, and we will find a common way to manage our metropolis. Municipal districts need a stable partner for their planning, and the people of Prague need the certainty that Prague will only draw on its strengths.

Dealing with criticism is an inherent part of a politician’s life. What is your approach to this matter?

Politics has always been, and always will be, about finding compromises. I try as much as possible to perceive the opinions of my colleagues, as well as the opposition, and, last but not least, our citizens. I declared during my re-election that I want to continue to be the mayor for all, without distinction, and that my door is always open to everyone.

Alexandra Udženija, Mayor of Prague 2

Four years from now, which tasks would you like to have fulfilled for the people to say that you were successful?

We are entering this election period at a time of high inflation, and a price crisis in the energy market in connection with the war in Ukraine. That’s why we think of everyone who might need our help. We are looking for ways to help both families and individuals. We also support entrepreneurs who do not have favourable conditions for their businesses. We are trying to hold Prague 2 together.

We are planning an economic analysis of all of our properties that belong to the municipal district. We rent our apartments through public auctions. In short, we are looking for the most efficient way to rent apartments, including their renovations.

In my particular area, I consider the most important task to be to complete the preparatory work for the construction of a new social service centre. It is an ambitious but meaningful project for the city district. The population is ageing – within 20 years the number of seniors over 75 in Prague 2 will double – and it is necessary to provide care for these people. We already have a problem in Prague, with the lack of capacity to place elderly homes in order to provide them with the care they need. At the same time, it is our duty to take care of the older generations of our parents and grandparents.

When you think about all the deals you have made in your years at Neeco, which was your favorite and why?

About five years ago I worked on a large-scale project for our telecom partner Tata Communications to provide connectivity to Air France KLM offices in 22 APAC airports and over 150 local airline offices spread across the globe. I had the chance to visit 17 Asian countries with our partners from Tata. It was truly a master class in international salesmanship as I got to witness how my counterparts adjusted their strategies and tactics depending on the local culture we were working in. In Bali, our interactions with airport management were rather informal. The meetings in Tokyo were quite the opposite. I was even given a chance to demonstrate what I had learned when the Tata representatives were denied a visa to visit Saudi Arabia and it was up to me to secure the deal.

When you think about the next 5 years in the global ICT industry, what developments or advancements are you most interested in following?

In the past few years there has been a shift from industry giants like Cisco to smaller and more nimble equipment manufacturing providers like our partners— Versa Networks. The newer, more agile companies are disrupting the market and challenging these bigger, legacy companies. From our perspective, this is great as Neeco works well with the comparatively smaller players as we can fill in gaps in their portfolios like managed services, distribution and planning.

On a different note, the advancements in AI, like Chat GPT, will bring changes in almost every industry. Ours is no exception. From my experience I can say service desks will be drastically changed by developments in chatbot technology. I am fascinated to watch how this will impact our work.

On the other hand, the most unpleasant event occurred last year, when I found out that vandals damaged the World War I Serbian army mausoleum and cemetery. Allow me to remind you that Jindřichovice was the largest concentration camp ever established by the Austro-Hungarian authorities during World War I. It was in the western region of the Czech Republic, along the border with Germany, near Karlovy Vary. It is estimated that around 10,000 Serbs (civilians and soldiers) were killed in Jindřichovice over four years. Honestly, it was strange to me that such things were happening in a consolidated democracy like the Czech Republic.

What is the current status of Czech-Serbian relations?

Throughout history, Serbia and the Czech Republic have always had excellent relations. In the 14th century, historical records confirm that two great rulers, Serbian Emperor Dušan the Strong and Czech King Charles IV, had excellent relations.

The continuity of friendly relations between the two nations is confirmed by the friendship between King Aleksandar Karađorđević and Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. The first Czechoslovak president, T. G. Masaryk, was persecuted by the Austro- Hungarian army during World War I, therefore he travelled with Serbian passports that are still kept in the Czech Academy of Sciences. Today, the Republic of Serbia and the Czech Republic have no open questions. Bilateral cooperation has been established, which is confirmed by frequent visits at the highest political level. Trade in 2021 was at a record high and increased by 21%. All data indicates that 2022 will be even better, despite the severe economic and energy crisis, as well as the war events in Ukraine. Czech investments in the Republic of Serbia grow every year.

What recommendations can you give to Czech tourists travelling to Serbia?

Serbia is a beautiful country, with many authentic and beautiful landscapes. When you spend your vacation in Serbia, we recommend that you see the Kopaonik National Park (with the Jelovarnik waterfall), the Uvac nature reserve, Vlasin Lake, Semeteško Lake (with floating islands that represent a real attraction), Krupajsko Vrelo, Đavolja Varoš, Rajačke Pimnice, the Ancient Palace of Felix Romuliana, Serbian monasteries such as Studenica, Sopoćani, Žiča, and so on.

In recent years, Serbia has been developing rural tourism, which is very popular and enjoyed by an increasing number of tourists. Belgrade has become a famous European destination, attractive to all tourists around the world. Besides the old city, the Kalemegdan fortress, a new modern part of the city („Belgrade Waterfront“) has emerged. Tourists adore Belgrade, not only because of its rich historical program and large number of cultural events, but also for its rich nightlife. This includes restaurants by the Sava and Danube rivers, with traditional Serbian cuisine and wines that are becoming increasingly popular in the market. I try to promote Serbia as an attractive tourist destination at every opportunity. In addition, the embassy has contacts with the tourist organization of Serbia, hence we communicate with our colleagues from the Czech Republic regarding new trends and opportunities for cooperation in the field of tourism.

What do you do in your free time?

Frankly, I don’t have much free time. If I had to give a short answer, it would be that I take walks in nature, read, and write. I use my free time to spend more time with my family, and enjoy nature in famous Prague parks. I like to read quality literature, good books and novels, and also follow the latest professional medical journals. Finally, I also like to write, and classify my scientific achievements in the field of surgery. I am currently working on a surgical textbook for medical students.

Does your country want to join the EU and NATO?

Serbia has a clear European path, and wants to share European values. The Republic of Serbia is very keen to achieve this goal, and is fully aware of the importance of the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. Negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Serbia began in November 2005, and this agreement, as well as the follow-up to the Transitional Agreement on Trade and Trade Matters (2005) treaty, were both signed in 2008.

After changing the methodology, we opened only the 4th cluster in December 2021, although we had also prepared the 3rd cluster. I would rather not comment on all the reasons for this long and difficult European journey of Serbia.

When we talk about NATO, the situation is different. Serbia wants to remain a neutral country. I think it is not yet the right time to discuss membership in NATO, even though all the surrounding countries of the Western Balkans have become members. The memories and suffering of the Serbian people since the NATO bombing in 1999 are still fresh.

Life in shelters, while planes are flying above you and rockets are falling, life under sanctions – it is something that cannot be easily forgotten.

In February, Serbia celebrates its National Day. What do you wish for your country?

The Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, on February 15th, is also the Day of the Constitution of Serbia, as well as the day of commemoration of the beginning of the Serbian Revolution – the first Serbian uprising. What I wish for my people, my Serbia, I also wish for the Czech people – which is peace and prosperity. We are living in difficult, uncertain times with the war in Ukraine. We are facing devastation and tragedy, where the innocent civilian population of two nations are suffering.

I hope that reason will prevail, and there will be peace and prosperity again. War has never brought anyone anything good. We will pray for peace.

On the edge of a bluff overlooking the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean on one side, and the lush vegetation of Bali on the other David is leading his team to construct the biggest Neano Resort project so far. Neano Cliff is built on six acres of a private seaside sanctuary. The Cliff features 70 luxury villas, a restaurant that accommodates 500 people, a top-notch nightclub to host high-profile parties presented by world- class DJs, wellness and fitness facilities, swimming pools, a private beach accessible by an elevator, a heliport, and much more. Working an average of 12 hours a day, he organizes hundreds of workers and multiple heavy machinery vehicles, to elevate what has once protected wilderness into a tranquil vacation resort. One that still serves as a playground for the long-tailed Macaques monkeys who call the cliff their home.

David, thank you for finding time for a short interview. The first question is obvious- what drew your focus to Bali, specifically its east coast? Bali has tremendous business potential due to its great appeal for holiday travelers. It’s the perfect combination of pure exotics and a superb infrastructure for visitors. Travelers can expect comfortable accommodation in some of the world’s best hotels and villas, great cuisine, a high level of safety, a year-round tourist season, and a stable Indonesian economy. The average accommodation rates in Bali are over 70%, which is very high compared to the majority of other vacation destinations, including Europe, making it a fantastic investment opportunity as well.

When and how did you get involved in Neano projects?

Normally, it would be extremely hard to break into the development field in Bali as a newcomer. The competition is high, the amount of money involved is often incredibly large, and strong players control all the optimal spots. However, the Covid crisis changed the rules of the game and opened the window of opportunity for a small period of time. When the whole tourism industry was paralyzed during the pandemic, we decided to act fast and negotiate the acquisition of a perfect site for development. Also, a majority of construction projects were put on hold at that time. Therefore, we were able to put together a capable team in a comparatively short amount of time. Normally, contractors are booked out years in advance with other projects. This too changed in our favor. So together with my business partners, we took the opportunity, acquired the land, and started the development literally overnight. That is how the Neano project was born.

Can you describe the Neano resort and its philosophy?

I discovered the land where we developed the Neano resort five years ago. At the time I had no way of knowing if we would ever be able to develop this land but still, I felt connected with this area and consider it the real Bali. After we started building the five-star Neano resort, which opened in 2022, we discovered the cliff. We knew we had to build here and create an opportunity for others to experience this utter paradise. Neano Cliff is set to open in 2023 and we could not be more excited.

Can you name a few reasons that make the Neano Cliff development so unique?

The location itself and its spatial relationship with the water—nestled on a cliffside with panoramic views accessible by every guest. As I mentioned, this part of Bali, surrounded by untouched nature, is the truest representation of Bali from my perspective. Combining this natural beauty with the standard of accommodation our high-end, European clientele is accustomed to, sets Neano apart from other resorts.

From an architectural perspective, are there any specific features about the villas you would like to highlight?

Since my early childhood, I’ve been in love with creating beautiful and functional structures. We want to create a resort that is not only beautiful at first sight, but has a solid, high-quality buildout, able to withstand guests’ demands for decades. I am very busy making slight adjustments to the project, having discussions with construction companies, governmental bodies and legal entities to ensure our vision is fulfilled. From a purely architectural perspective, one big advantage of the cliff is that the villas can be placed in a cascading arrangement providing every villa with a breathtaking ocean view.

We have seen investment villas developed as a part of the resort, are there any available? What is on the horizon for Neano resorts?

All the villas are sold out but we are preparing an additional few to be built on the black sand beach located under the cliff as part of Neano Cliff Bali. I recommend anyone interested to get in touch with us.

Where can we find more information?

You can find information on Instagram @neano_cliff and website www.neanoresort.com.

It is not only passive houses, but also sustainable buildings in general, that represent the future. Unfortunately, the construction industry, although undergoing fundamental changes, is still one of the biggest polluters. It is responsible for up to 38% of global CO2 emissions. New buildings are already built with certain energy efficiency standards that meet the ambitious requirements of the Paris Agreement. However, the biggest potential for improvement and mitigation of the climate change impact can be found in already existing buildings. In the Czech Republic, the average age of residential buildings is 50 years old. It is assumed that 80% of the current existing buildings will still be here in 30 years. That is why the deep renovation of existing buildings is equally important as the designing of new ones.

The reality is that money always comes first, and therefore it is important to ask: is it more expensive to build a sustainable building?

Actually, if you take the “green” approach from the beginning (i.e. starting from the planning and design stage), the extra costs are negligible. What you invest in technology and solutions you will get back through long-term savings during the operation of the building. Furthermore, modern buildings are designed to provide energy efficiency, but, more importantly, they should ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. This means that there should be a large enough supply of fresh air, good quality acoustics, well- balanced natural and artificial light, a sufficient level of humidity, and a comfortable temperature. We spend up to 90% (!!) of our lifetime in buildings, so all these aspects have a strong impact on our wellbeing.

Are the European Union and Czech government supporting this construction approach – not only rhetorically but also financially?

There is a number of both EU and local grant programs that support the use of sustainable solutions. They not only support energy efficiency and savings, but also quality indoor environment, green roofs or rainwater, and grey water management in both new and renovated buildings. The best-known local grant is called ‘New Green Savings’, which supports, among others, the construction of family and multi-family houses that meet the “passive” standards.

The Green Building movement strives to improve people’s quality of life. Can you give us your advice for creating a better quality of life?

Prioritize and enjoy every moment. We have the privilege of living a luxurious quality of life. In my case, I best relax on the golf course or the ski slopes, depending on the season. Or I simply laze around with my family and friends in our country house with a nice glass of wine. However, we should certainly think about the quality of life of our children and further generations too, and behave and act in a way that is preserving it for them.

I remember it wasn’t that good, although it was good for magic beginners. When I performed it for my first audience, my family, they liked it. When somebody asks me for a simple trick for beginners, I usually suggest card tricks. That ́s because basic card tricks are usually easy to learn, yet they are pretty effective. There is just one problem with card tricks – you need to carry cards with you all the time. So maybe, especially in the case of little kids wanting to start with magic, my suggestion would be a simple coin trick, like, for example, ‘vanish’ – people usually carry one or more coins with them. Making money appear is generally a good thing too. Everybody can make it disappear.

When did you perform your first magic show?

My first magic show, in public, took place in a magic competition in Jičín. Luckily, Jičín was just 20 kilometres from my home so my granddad didn’t have a problem driving me there. I was eleven and was pretty nervous. I had never performed in public or in front of other magicians before.

I prepared four card tricks, and competed with them. I came in 3rd in the juniors’ competition. Fortunately, the magicians there were so generous, and they gave me suggestions afterwards on how I could improve my magic. So, I’ve been doing magic for 9 years, and have been performing it in public since 2015. I was always a diligent student of magic, but had always taken it as a hobby. At the beginning of 2020, I flew to London for a magic convention because, as a young magician, I got free entry. The only thing I had to do to get (my free entry) was to perform in a charity show, which I did in Jičín again. This London event was one of the biggest magic conventions in Europe. Besides me, there were, I think, 10 other magicians from the Czech Republic, and, in total, around 700 magicians from all parts of the world. It was a full 3 days of magic performances, talks, and lectures. I never saw anything like that before, the atmosphere was so great. There, I realized that I’d love to do magic full-time, as a professional magician. From then on, I’ve been practising for many hours a day, every day.

What is your favourite magic trick, and why?

I’m gonna talk about two if that’s okay. The first one is for my stage show. In this trick, everybody in the audience gets four different cards. They shuffle the cards and throw one card away at a time. In the end, everybody is holding just one card. And the card is the same for everyone. I love this trick the most because everybody in the audience takes part in it. The only downside is that if I have a show for 500 people, then I would need 2,000 cards. On the other hand, the more people do this trick, the more powerful the trick is. Imagine seeing all the people with one card that matches yours – that is just a wonderful moment, which you rarely see in magic tricks. When you watch a magic show you usually don’t get involved in the magic trick, so it’s nice to have something like that.

Another favourite trick of mine is great for just a small group, or perhaps one person. I borrow their phones and make them disappear. No, just kidding, people don’t like it when you make their phones disappear. I borrow their phones and find a celebrity in them. Then they are asked to think of any celebrity. I correctly guess which celebrity it is, and voila! It is in their phone, which I haven’t touched from the beginning. Since nowadays we use our phones for many hours a day, magic with smartphones is very popular, and I try to incorporate and invent tricks with phones more, and include them into my magic.

What is magic? Is it science, art, a trick, or reality?

That is a difficult question. The answer may depend on the way each magician perceives magic. In my opinion, magic is art. That is because you aren’t just inventing a secret – how the trick is done – but also, which is more important, (you invent) how to present the trick to the audience. If I want to include a new trick in my show, I first must think about the presentation, so that it fits nicely into the show. I then must think about the effect and how to achieve it – the secret of the trick. Or, a company might want me to invent a custom magic trick, for example, like the appearance of their new product for product launch. I can’t only think of the secret and how to make it appear, but also need to think of the presentation so that it is engaging and memorable for the audience. And yes, some people do perceive magic as reality, as something that I can do. This happens very occasionally, but those people exist. It is hard to convince them that I don’t have any magical power, any gift from God. In the past, doing magic tricks meant just one thing, that you are a witch.