Authoradmin

What made you become an ambassador?

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

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

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

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

How many countries have you served in up until now?

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

What do you do in your free time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Migration itself is not the problem. Most of it is legal, involving people moving for work or family reasons.

But irregular, uncontrolled migration is a problem. After the peak during the migration crisis of 2015-2016, the number of irregular migrants entering the EU briefly returned to a more manageable level. However, since last year numbers are on the rise again, reaching a level that is hard to cope with in destination countries such as the Netherlands. In the case of Ukrainians, who get temporary protection, the situation is under control.

In the case of some other nationalities, in particular those from so-called safe countries with little chance of receiving asylum, the situation is problematic.

The main key to a structural EU-wide solution is a mandatory screening and border procedure. Under this procedure, asylum seekers are required to apply at the entry points on the EU’s external borders, ensuring access to an asylum procedure for all, while allowing for the processing of unfounded asylum claims in an accelerated manner. It would also put an end to the phenomenon of secondary (asylum)migration, whereby 3rd country nationals misuse the Schengen area of free movement to travel from the Member States in which they first arrived to Member States of their choice to apply for asylum. If individual Member States experience disproportionate migratory pressure, a solidarity mechanism should provide help in the form of relocation, operational, or financial support, with contributions based on a fair share principle.

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

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

What is the current status of Czech – Dutch relations?

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

Earlier, Dutch companies already found their way to Czechia, making this the 2nd export market in the group of 10 Member States that joined the EU in 2004, after Poland and more or less on a par with Sweden and Switzerland. The Netherlands is the number 8 export market for Czechia. At a political level, we see an increase in like-mindedness, in particular following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Netherlands helped Czechia reduce its energy dependence on Russia by making capacity available for landing LNG, amounting to more than a third of Czechia’s needs. Czechia helped the Netherlands with the purchase and upgrade of Soviet weapons, including 45 tanks that were supplied to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.

We also see a Czechia that is more engaged with the EU, as exemplified by its very successful Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2022. This allows for increased cooperation, both at the bilateral level and within the European Union and NATO. The key shared themes are the rule of law, press freedom, human rights, the internal market, free trade, sustainable public finances, good transatlantic relations, and support for Ukraine. During the Presidency, we received 72 delegations from The Hague, including our PM and other members of the government. Although delegations came primarily for the EU Presidency, several visits also had a bilateral focus. This included the visits of our ministers of Agriculture, Transport, Legal Protection, Migration, and Digitization. The visit of Minister of Defence Ollongren actually led to aforementioned cooperation with Czechia to provide weapons to Ukraine.

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

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

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

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

How did you become an ambassador?

I have been a diplomatic adviser for most of my working life – in the Norwegian Parliament, in the Office of the Prime Minister, and in the Foreign Service. After having worked at various levels in several countries, I found it natural to seek ambassadorial postings.

Being an ambassador is an honour and a privilege. Being an ambassador to the Czech Republic is especially satisfying due to the country’s rich culture, beautiful cities, and friendly people. The fact that the relations between Norway and the Czech Republic are broad and problem-free makes the posting here in Prague exceptionally rewarding for me.

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

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

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

Furthermore, I have used my first few months to learn more about Czech society through visits to different parts of the country, and through meeting people from various segments of society. The numerous new contacts I have made reinforce my impression that Czechs and Norwegians are quite likeminded; having much of the same humour, sharing their interests of sports and outdoor activities, showing solidarity with the less fortunate, believing in freedom and democracy, and being willing to defend our common values and support those that are defending theirs.

I have even started taking Czech lessons, but I must admit that it will still take some time until I command this exceptional language.

H.E. Victor Conrad Rønneberg, Ambassador of Norway

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

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

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

Quite a few Norwegian companies; such as Orkla Foods, Jotun, and Sapa Aluminium; are present in the Czech Republic, and the Norwegian Oil Fund has made substantial investments in the country, particularly in the property sector.

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

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

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

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

The present program period is shortly coming to an end, and Norway and the other two contributing countries are presently negotiating the terms of the new period with the EU, which in turn will be followed up by an agreement with the Czech Republic.

It is important to note that, although not a member of the European Union, Norway is more integrated into the European economy through the EEA and Schengen agreements than most EU member countries. Our success depends on the success of the EU, and we do what we can to underpin a strong and united Europe.

How has the Russian war in Ukraine affected Norway?

The unprovoked Russian aggression towards Ukraine was also a surprise for Norway. Norway is bordering Russia, and for the past 25 years there has been extensive cooperation across the border, from student and cultural exchanges to environmental protection and business cooperation. Today, the border is de facto closed and almost all cooperation ceased; the Norwegian Consulate General in Murmansk has shut down. As late as last month, Norway expelled 15 so- called Russian diplomats. Norway has also supported the suspension of Russia from the Artic Council, and from other regional arrangements in the High North. We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the increasing totalitarianism in Russia. Norway stands united with the EU and other Allies in forcing Russia to give up its imperial ambitions, and to live up to its international obligations. To this end, we have approved all EU sanction packages and other measures against Russia.

Norway has further maximized our gas production to help compensate for the abolition of Russian gas. Today, we are Europe’s biggest gas supplier, and provide over a quarter of all gas to the EU. Hence, Norway also provides a large part of Czechia’s gas. To secure the reliability of supplies, we have, together with our Allies, also taken several steps towards protecting the sub-sea energy infrastructure in Northern Europe, including 8,000 km of pipelines.

We are not only supporting Ukraine politically, but Norway is also a major supplier of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Last year, we provided more than CZK 20 billion to Ukraine and other countries in the region. Earlier this year, the Norwegian parliament agreed on a five-year aid package to Ukraine and Moldova, worth CZK 150 billion.

This interview is done on the occasion of the National Day of Norway. What are your wishes for Norway? And for the Czech Republic?

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

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

Tell us a bit about yourself, please.

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

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

Our party is covered by STAN (Mayors and Independents Party, in Czech Starostové a nezávislí), however, in the region we are indeed an independent party. My inspiration comes from my colleague mayors of various towns, who have made their towns brilliant. On a global scale, celebrities I find to be particularly inspiring include Bill Gates and Václav Havel.

What made you become the Mayor of Žďár nad Sázavou?

I believe it was my vision. When I was in the UK I fell in love with a car, a Bentley Continental GT. It is a typical English aristocrat with a sporty soul that looks ahead. It is a car that won’t take a family of five and 15 suitcases to the sea, or a barrel of beer to the weekend cottage you have in the middle of meadows and groves, but surely you feel that does not detract from its beauty and grandeur. I have an ambition and a vision that Žďár nad Sázavou, the city of which I am mayor, will metaphorically become such a Bentley.

Of course, we don‘t have the advantage of being a big city (that’s what taking the family to the sea is all about), but then again, we have what others don’t and won’t have: A soul of a nice quirky city, in which the appearance of the industrial past is combined with the technologies of the 21st century. It is in the spirit of the saying„original never fits“.

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

What are the duties of a mayor?

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

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

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

Which issues are the most problematic in Žďár nad Sázavou?

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

What are the main challenges for you and your colleagues?

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

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

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

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

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

We strongly focus on the quality of solutions in all areas that may affect people’s life. Our philosophy is to put the human being at the centre of all projects, visions, and plans. We always ask how “it” affects people first. Only then do we solve the look and solution of the public area around. Finally, we discuss the details, e.g. how a building will look and work. This approach means that the projects must automatically be of a high quality. If not, it is not possible to realize them. We also have some technical rules for developers, which reflect the approach described above.

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

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

It is still possible we will arrange a so-called “Post Partner Plus” service; however, it is just being analysed now. This kind of service could mitigate the negative impact of closing the post branches, especially in the geographical context of our town.

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

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

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

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

How do you see your mission as a diplomat?

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

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

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

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

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

I came here in the fall of 2020, and I remember how happy I was that the Czech Republic was one of the few countries that actually had success in combatting the Coronavirus. During the summer of that year, that over-optimistic (as it turned out) party on the Charles Bridge had been held, celebrating that life would soon return to normal. But it didn’t really work out that way. Pretty soon after my arrival, the country was shut down as the virus came to life in earnest. Therefore, my first year here came to be characterized by in-house work and an almost endless series of video conferences.

It is so nice to now be able to work for real, because what we actually do, at all embassies, is to ensure that people meet – and preferably in real life, of course. There are so many contacts between Sweden and the Czech Republic, and I am glad that I can now focus on my actual mission. I divide my time between cultural and social issues, trade promotion, and, of course, politics and EU affairs. At this time, when the political landscape in the Czech Republic is changing, it is a privilege to be able to follow developments on the ground.

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

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

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

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

Our modern history was much less dramatic than that of the Czech Republic. We managed to stay out of both world wars, and during the Cold War we trusted a security policy that was often described as a “policy of neutrality”. In the event of a new conflict in Europe, it was our ambition to stay out of it.

But, this brief description was in fact a bit of a misconception. In fact, since the Second World War, Sweden has never been “neutral” in the formal sense. Militarily non-aligned, yes, but our security policy after WWII has always rested on extensive cooperation with others: with NATO and with bilateral partners.

The illegal Russian attack on Ukraine made it necessary for us to rethink, to some extent. Or rather to develop our policies further. An effective European response to the aggression that we are now witnessing requires even closer cooperation, and for Sweden, together with Finland, NATO membership was seen as a very logical step, bolstering both our national security and that of Europe. We will be entering NATO with the explicit ambition to be an active member, contributing to European security. Yes, two NATO members have not yet approved our application for membership, but I am convinced this is only a matter of time. We have now done our homework and are ready for membership. This is also acknowledged by NATO as an organisation. Our Finnish friends are also very clearly stating that their membership is complete only when Sweden is at their side, on the inside, as a new member of the alliance.

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

In regards to our EU policies, it could perhaps be said that Sweden and the Czech Republic initially looked at the EU from slightly different angles. There was, for many years, a slight reluctance in the Czech Republic, based, I think, on the country’s historic experience. Of course, the Czechs did not want to be dominated by foreign powers again. Also, not by “Brussels”. Sweden was also a bit careful when approaching the EU membership – since we had, for very long, done rather well on the outside. In fact, Sweden also became a member of the EU rather late, in 1995.

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

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

Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of a peaceful neighbour has robbed millions of Ukrainians of their freedom. Ukraine is fighting for its survival as a nation – and for the security and lives of its citizens. We are all suffering due to the war, but it is Ukraine that is paying the highest price. And remember, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting not only for their own freedom, but for the freedom of all of Europe. I would again like to commend the Czech Republic for the way they coordinated the European response to the Russian aggression.

The EU and its member states have rallied unprecedented support for Ukraine, and will remain firmly by its side. This will be the most important challenge during our Presidency, to maintain unity in that support.

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

H.E. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

An important aspect, when describing how we look at ourselves and at the world, is the word ‘partnership’. When describing Swedish industry and production, we have gone from the classic “Made in Sweden” to “Made by Sweden”. Nowadays, we often say “Made with Sweden”, underlining even more how dependent we are on partnerships, on cooperation with others.

In the Czech Republic we see a potential strong partner. We are already very close, but we would like to nurture our cooperation even more. Again, our relative size matters here. Both countries are big enough to make a difference, but small enough to realise the need for international cooperation and partnerships.

A key word in the Embassy’s work is “benchmarking”. Quite often, we compare notes with our Czech friends, to learn from each other’s experiences. The best example is maybe what we have called “The Czech- Swedish Healthcare Innovation Platform”. Over the years, we have had an extensive exchange on topics such as vaccination strategies, coronary diseases, leukemia, and different forms of cancer treatment.

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

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

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

Tell us about yourself.

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

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

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

What made you become the Mayor of Prague 4?

The road to becoming the Mayor of Prague 4 was long and complicated. Of course, when I joined the ODS in 2013, I did not imagine that 10 years later I would become the mayor. I just wanted to help a party that was on the decline at the time, and at the same time represented values that are close to me politically – namely not being afraid to be responsible for one’s destiny, work hard to build our own lives, and help those in need. Over time, I became more and more involved until I reached a stage where I had to decide whether to continue devoting my free time to politics – which I could have devoted to the development of my business, and, above all, to my family – or to put aside some work activities and go into politics to the fullest extent. You can see what I decided :-).

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us about yourself, please.

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

My objective as a diplomat is to communicate the common interests between our countries, in order to attain the objective of recognizing the mutual benefits of working together, for a “win-win” situation. Simply put, the AEP (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) that is ascribed to my position means, to me, an “Advocate of Enhanced Partnerships.”

But aside from my professional tasks, I am at the stage in my life where I hope that I have succeeded in raising a happy family, and in contributing positively to society. I must thank my parents for giving me the life skills to navigate to where I am today.

Can you introduce your country?

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

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

Aside from its geostrategic location in Asia, it is home to a young and productive, English-speaking, and highly trainable labour force. Czech companies who continue to hire Filipino workers can attest to their character and skill sets, which have increased company productivity significantly. It is for some of these reasons that I believe that the Czech Prime Minister made the Philippines the first stop in his six- country Asian trip in April 2023.

Furthermore, like the Czech Republic, the Philippines values freedom, democracy, and human rights – the main foundations that support our sustained political, social, and economic growth and development. The Philippines has one of the oldest constitutions in Asia, the 1899 Malolos constitution, and this spirit of nationalism and democracy has subsisted throughout our history.

Have you always wanted to become an ambassador?

I am a second-generation diplomat, so it can be safely said that I was born into the diplomatic service. Like many other children of diplomats, it is not unusual for us to follow in our parent’s footsteps.

Even as a young child, I believed that I was “channelled” to become the diplomat in our family, and I never really thought of pursuing any other career. So many of my life choices naturally led me to prepare for it, and eventually take the competitive examination to enter the Foreign Service.

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

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

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

My impression of the Czech Republic after over 25 years remains very positive – Prague is still a picture-perfect tableau of “old Europe”, which draws millions of tourists. Even the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal visited Prague and Litoměřice in May 1887, and marvelled at the same sites we see today. Also related to Rizal’s story is the fact that one of his closest friends was Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt, whom he visited in 1887. Prof. Blumentritt is one of the known graduates of Charles University, and one who is familiar to all Filipinos because of their friendship. So, the close ties between our people reflect another impression that I am happy to note and propagate, especially as more Filipinos are being allowed to work in this country.

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

How many countries have you served in so far?

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

How does being an ambassador define your lifestyle?

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

What was the best adventure you have ever had?

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

What was the weirdest thing you have dealt with?

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

Can you tell us about your professional career?

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

Which countries have you been appointed to so far?

A fair share of my initial career was spent in Brussels, working with the European institutions.

As a temporary member of the European Council Secretariat, I was able to particularly witness the strengthening of ties between the European Union and Asia and the setting up of ASEM. Back at the Luxembourg Permanent Representation, I was closely engaged in the process of the enlargement of the EU to the Central and Eastern European States, culminating in the 2004 and 2007 accessions.

In 2005, I was appointed first resident ambassador of Luxembourg to Poland, setting up the Grand- Duchy’s embassy in Warsaw, with its co-accreditations to Latvia and Lithuania. My second ambassadorial posting then was in Athens from 2010 onwards, before returning to headquarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, where I served as a thematic ambassador for international migration, as well as non-resident ambassador to Bulgaria. Finally, I was appointed head of our mission in the Czech Republic in 2021, being also co-accredited to Estonia and Ukraine.

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us about yourself.

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

What made you become an ambassador?

I became a diplomat because it’s a job that, in all of its diversity, gives a great openness to human beings in many fields of activity, since it’s a job that you practice in different countries and cultural contexts. Another motivation was for me to serve the State, which is a bit, I believe, a vocation.

All of this gives diplomacy its unique character, which is to combine things that rarely come together, namely change and stability. Indeed, the diplomat changes his country, work colleagues, and files every three or four years, but at the same time he keeps the same employer throughout his career.

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

What is the current status of Czechia – Belgium relations?

The relations between Czechoslovakia and Belgium were very good from the start. Belgium was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Czechoslovakia, one month after its proclamation, in 1918. During the Second World War, the Belgian and Czechoslovakian governments both found refuge in London, to continue the fight with the Allies. Czechoslovakian soldiers have thus taken part in the liberation of Belgium, while Belgian soldiers participated in the liberation of Plzeň, with the American Third Army. But then came the cold war, and the fact that both countries belonged to each of the antagonistic blocs was of course an obstacle to the strengthening of the cooperation. Even under these very difficult circumstances, though, some specific cooperation took place between Belgium and Czechoslovakia – in the industrial and scientific fields. The most striking example is certainly the development of anti-AIDS drugs, including the famous tenofovir, by Professor Antonín Holý of the Czech Academy of Science and Professor De Clercq of the University of Leuven, from 1976.

The Velvet Revolution in 1989 was of course a turning point, followed by the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004. Since then, the Czech Republic and Belgium are friends, partners, and allies, cooperating closely at the political, economic, and military levels. Both countries participate in building a strong and prosperous Europe, based on common values, eager for freedom and justice. We cooperate on security matters within the NATO missions “Baltic Air Policing” and “Enhanced Forward Presence”. Exchanges have grown steadily so far, except for during the COVID-19 crisis of course.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You used to work in the automotive industry. What do cars and handmade jewellery have in common?

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

Lucie Hvězdová creates her original fashion under the brand COCAT

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

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

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

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

What do you think you have succeeded in?

Today we can say that we have built a sustainable and meaningful business, and that we are a stable and secure platform. You will find more than two hundred and fifty creators whose products we help sell. Everyone is making something different, and thanks to the space CVRK provides these products reach the customer. It turns dreams into reality, and that’s what I find great, and enjoy supporting.

Thanks to CVRK, we are creating competition – and an alternative – to the majority and consumerism. We are showing that Czech craftsmanship, such as seamstresses, jewellery makers, or joiners for example, is of great value. It is also economically important; we are supporting small entrepreneurs who produce in the Czech Republic, and at the same time contributing to the national treasury.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also present the work of our creators during fashion performances

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.

---

Monika Koťarová

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

She studied cultural history and philosophy. Right after her studies, she went to the Netherlands and the UK for work. She has travelled in Asia and Europe, and when she talks about cultures and travel experiences she always tells stories of people she met on the road. Monika knows how to bring people and ideas together, and she does it in a casual and natural way. Does that appeal to you? Before you know it, you’ll be on her team.

www.cvrk.cz, monika@cvrk.cz

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

I was born in 1968, and graduated from Baku University in 1991, majoring in mathematics. In 1992-95, I conducted some scientific research at Baku University, and after defending my doctoral thesis in 1995, I started my career as a lecturer at the University. In those years, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Azerbaijan just gained its independence. The process of state-building was still ongoing in the country, and as a young and energetic person, I wanted to be a part of this process. For this purpose, in 1996, I had to change from my beloved University auditorium to the Humanitarian Policy Department of the President’s office.

The years I mentioned were the most difficult time for my country. Azerbaijan was subjected to military aggression by Armenia, and 20% of the country’s territory was occupied by the Armenian military units. As a result of this act of aggression, more than 30,000 Azerbaijanis were killed, and over 1 million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homeland and became displaced. One out of every nine people in the country was an internally displaced person who had lost everything, and the state was experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe in the true sense of the word. All these problems conditioned me to seriously delve into the history of international relations and foreign policy. As such, in 2000, while furthering my studies at the Faculty of International Relations and International Law of Baku University – where I started my research on ethno-confessional conflicts – I decided to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By the way, I am the author of two books on military-political conflicts, and numerous articles published in domestic and foreign scientific journals.

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

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

Tell us more about your country.

Azerbaijan is not only a mysterious country located in the Caucasus, but also a unique bridge between the East and the West. The name of the country and the history of these lands go back to Alexander the Great. In fact, Azerbaijan was much larger than the borders of today’s Republic of Azerbaijan. In 1828, at the end of the Russo-Iranian war, Azerbaijan was divided into two parts between Russia and Iran, and during the Soviet Union period, part of Azerbaijan’s territory was given to the neighbouring nations by the order of the Kremlin. In 1918, the people of Azerbaijan founded the first republic in the entire Muslim East – the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. At that time, progressive laws were adopted in the country, and democratic reforms were implemented. For example, at that time, while many European countries (who today have high democratic values) did not have women’s suffrage, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic granted the vote to all adult women. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, our people regained their own state, and declared the independent Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan is a very active member of such international organizations as the UN and Non-Aligned Movement, as well as a number of important European political institutions and regional organizations. Azerbaijan is a country rich in oil and gas deposits, and with the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the TANAP-TAP natural gas pipelines, it wants to play a role, not only in the energy security of Europe but that of the entire world. In addition to these energy projects, Azerbaijan also contributes to the dynamic development of the world economy by being an important link in the North-South and East- West transit-cargo projects.

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

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

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

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

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

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

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.

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

A new start with a new brooch

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

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

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

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

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.”

---

“2023 is the year of the rabbit in the traditional Asian calendar. It symbolizes a great leap forward, and prosperity. I wish that, for Czechia and Japan, it will be a year that takes our friendship and cooperation to an even higher level,” desires H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador, who first visited Prague in 1990 during the Velvet revolution, and arrived as ambassador in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What brought you to a diplomatic career, and eventually made you an ambassador?

Well, it goes back to the early 70s, and my three years of experience as a child in Paris. Back then, Japan remained mostly unknown to the world, and all that my small French friends knew about us was that we 8 lost WWII. A bit of a discouraging first encounter with international realpolitik. However, there was a turning point: the visit of Emperor Showa to Paris. Japanese children, including myself, were sent by the embassy to the airport to welcome His Majesty. That day, I was taken in by the magic of our unique tradition. I hazily foresaw the pride and joy of working for Him and serving the country. The mission was set: to elevate the standing of my country to an honourable and proud member of the international community.

I can say that this sense of honour has animated my entire diplomatic life, wherever I was assigned to and whatever dossier I oversaw – be it Europe, the US, Asia, national security, development assistance, global issues, etc.

Fifty years after that decisive moment in my life, I was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary by His grandson, the current Emperor of Japan, and assigned to the Czech Republic.

You have been in the Czech Republic for over 2 years. Can you share some impressions of that time?

I already visited Prague in January 1990, during the Velvet Revolution. The heated atmosphere of the revolution was present everywhere, especially in Wenceslas Square, but you could still find some kind of reminiscence of the past. Today’s Prague has metamorphosed into a modern European city. The streets are vibrant with shoppers and tourists. Creative cultural activities are flourishing at every corner of the city. However, the beautiful historical cityscape and the flow of the Vltava River have not changed at all.

Prague was in the midst of the pandemic when we arrived at the embassy two years ago. The lockdown had been decreed, and we did not see much for the first few months. Over the past year though, we have had many opportunities to discover the jewels of the Czech historical, cultural, and natural heritage all over the country.

Everywhere in the Czech Republic, we meet people with great interest in Japanese culture. Events representing martial arts, calligraphy, tea ceremony, ikebana, and comical theatre production called kyogen are practisced at a very high level of proficiency, not only in Prague but also in the (other) regions. It is also a pleasant surprise to find exquisite Japanese gardens in several cities. I could not be more grateful to all the people who are passionately devoting themselves to promoting these activities.

Which countries did you serve in before coming to Prague?

This is my fifth country. I served twice in France where I started my career, including studies at the Ecole National d’Administration (ENA), the second assignment being the Japanese Delegation to the OECD. Then, it was the United States, where I travelled all around from Denali, Alaska, down to Key West, Florida, with my family to discover its diversity. Vietnam, a very dynamic and young country with which we have a full range of cooperation, including a maritime security program. The Republic of Korea, our closest neighbour, and an important partner for security in the Indo-Pacific. And now, the Czech Republic, a trustworthy partner sharing our fundamental values, and enjoying 100 years of friendship together.

H.E. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan with his wife

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?

Good question. Constantly standing at the forefront requires experience. We are expected to have the right answer to any kind of topic, ranging from military issues to modern art, science and technology to cybersecurity. You need to know every detail of not only foreign policy but also the socioeconomic challenges of your country, and explain things in a convincing way. This requires everyday learning and a solid backbone, conviction, and skill based on your wide-ranging past experience. A lot to do, but I enjoy it. It could be completely different from working at headquarters, where you oversee a specific portfolio. Ambassadors are also the leaders of their own nationals in times of crisis. That was my case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing the rights of vaccination for foreigners in the Czech Republic, and making sure that the Japanese can safely return to the country when needed was of primordial importance. With the generous cooperation of the Czech government, I was able to fulfil my duty.

An ambassador could never perform only by himself. Garnering the understanding and cooperation of the host country and fellow ambassadors, as well as uniting the staff as one team, are also important missions for an ambassador.

How do you spend your free time?

Almost every weekend, together with my wife, I enjoy searching for beautiful new places in the Czech Republic. We often go to Průhonice Park, where we enjoy the seasonal change of sceneries and the refreshing sound of the streams. It is also a delight for us to be invited to openings of cultural events and local festivals, not only in Prague but also in the provinces. It was a wonderful memory to parade in Kunovice on a horse cart for the Ride of the Kings festival, classified as a UNESCO heritage event, or to take part in a costume play at the Animefest in Brno, to name just a few examples. Never do I consider these as “duties”. It is full of surprises and discoveries. I wonder if there is a distinction between “work time” and “free time” for ambassadors. Maybe not.

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

As the world becomes more diverse and complex, the mission required from ambassadors will become even more difficult. I believe that ambassadors should, at all times and in all places, continue to cultivate a broad perspective and a flexible mindset. This is to enable them to assess the situation precisely, in order to find the best strategy to enhance cooperation and promote the common interest of their own country, their host country, and the international community. Most importantly, ambassadors need to have the courage and determination to implement these strategies with conviction. To make the world a better place to live.

Japan is a very interesting destination for the Czech people. How do you promote your country?

Let me say that Japan is an incredibly multidimensional country. In fact, two-thirds of the country is mountains. The north-to-south stretched Japanese archipelago is a treasure trove of varied and rich nature. From cherry blossoms in spring to fresh summer greenery, autumn leaves to snowy winter landscapes, the four seasons are so enchanting you can never get tired of them. The microclimate varies from region to region. From winter skiing in Hokkaido to diving in subtropical Okinawa, the choice is yours. The vibrant urban culture well represented by Tokyo is world-renowned. But we also take pride in the historical wooden architecture in our regional cities, not to mention the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, as well as the epic shrines and temples throughout the country. These should be fresh in the Czech eyes. But it is not only about seeing but also about experiencing – let yourself get initiated into traditional agriculture, temple life, or the world of ceramics. A different side of Japan, a different side of you.

What does it mean to be the Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation? What are you in charge of?

First and foremost, the existence of my position is a message from this government that it takes science, research, and innovation seriously. The Czech system of this field’s management is extremely fragmented. Up until now, the coordinating role has been primarily performed by the Government Council for Research, Development, and Innovation, which the Prime Minister most often chaired. However, even with the best effort, the Prime Minister cannot delve deeply into the problems of this area. I have the time and space to do so.

Regarding the day-to-day responsibilities, I would divide them into two parts. The first reflects the government’s agenda. As a member of the government, I naturally have to work on all the substantial issues that we are dealing with – and there are quite a few of them these days. At the same time, my responsibility is to add the perspective of science and research. If we are dealing with the climate and energy crisis, then my natural input is on how science and research can help us, and what we need to do in order to mobilize the capacities (for it); if we are dealing with security issues as a result of Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, I aim to also address the security implications of science and research in relation to authoritarian regimes. The second area of my day-to-day agenda relates to science and research directly: from evaluating research organisations, negotiating the science and research budget, and setting up public support programmes, to preparing legislative changes and communicating those changes within the system.

Can you tell us about your approach to innovation, and how you drive it forwards?

Innovation is a broad concept. On the one hand, there are crucial technological innovations in private companies, where today digitalisation plays an important role. On the other hand, there are for instance innovations in public administration, in its organisation and procedures. We are trying to consider this entire broad area. Innovation in business is the absolute key to the competitiveness of our economy. Today, in the Czech Republic, 60% of all research and innovation funding comes from private sources. It is not bad, but if we want to keep up with the most advanced countries then we need to increase this ratio even further. We often take Israel as an example of one of the most innovative countries in the world. It should be noted, however, that they spend less on science, research, and innovation from public sources in terms of the GDP ratio than we do. It is far more driven by business.

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

How important is innovation in our current situation?

Innovation is important in every situation – it is about the general mindset. Society must tend to move forward. But of course, the challenges we are facing now emphasize the need for new solutions in many areas. We face serious multiple crises. The combination of long-term and unfortunately largely underestimated problems, such as climate change and population ageing, alongside the current sudden crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences, brings really significant uncertainty for the future. Our society needs to pull out all the stops to meet these challenges. I strongly believe that science, research, and innovation have a key role to play in this.

There are many important decisions to be made – not only at the national level, but also at the European and global ones. These decisions are not to be subject to ideologies and pressures from various interest groups: all policies must be consistently based on scientific insights. It sounds simple, but we all know that this is a big task for a public administration, as well as for researchers.

Do you feel you have a sufficient budget to do what is needed?

For one, we should definitely spend more money on science and research. The other thing is that we should spend our resources more efficiently. And we should add a third perspective, which is fiscal consolidation – unfortunately, an inherited huge structural deficit is one of the challenges this current government is facing.

Regarding spending efficiency, we plan to run a project in cooperation with the European Commission and the OECD, aimed at strengthening capacities for deep evaluation and impact assessment of public R&D funding programmes.

What are the biggest challenges you are currently tackling?

We have started a broad discussion on a new set of research priorities. This is important because priorities, to some extent, influence the funding opportunities of research organisations. The beginning of these discussions, however, has already shown how difficult it will be to reach a consensus on these issues. At the moment, we have 170 research priorities, and they are so broad that it is almost impossible to find a topic that does not fit (within them). Our aim is to make sure that those priorities really are priorities.

What I see as a huge challenge is some of the, shall we say, ‘cultural barriers’. We are trying to promote a knowledge transfer in order to assure that academic research does not end up only with publications, but that discoveries are transferred, for instance, through licences into practice, possibly in the form of university spin-off companies. However, we are facing resistance from a significant part of the research community, which sees the publication as the only pure scientific outcome. This is a cultural problem that is difficult to change. But we urgently need to get over it.

The Czech Republic’s second presidency of the EU Council finished in December last year. How was the Ministry involved?

We were actively involved in the negotiations of the new European Chips Act, which we facilitated at the European level with our colleagues from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. We successfully reached an agreement on a general approach. The development and production of (electronic) chips is, of course, a crucial topic, and one of the areas in which we need to fundamentally increase our strategic independence. There are more areas like this, but I believe that if we can make significant progress in one area then it can set up processes for others. In this field, we are also negotiating specific projects to increase chip development capacity in the Czech Republic, whether it is through cooperation with Taiwan or through establishing a chip cluster, linking manufacturing companies with research organisations.

Where do you think the Czech Republic is headed in the next four years?

Let me be optimistic: I see a country with highly inovated companies, an active start-up environment, and strong university-business linkages. A country where policy decisions are based on scientific knowledge. At least, this is the vision I am working towards.

You have been in the Czech Republic for two years. What was your first impression of it?

I came to Prague just when the Czech government announced a complete lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The silver lining was that I got to explore this stunning city without the usual throngs of tourists. I got to fully immerse myself in the rich history and beauty of the historic district. The people of Prague were incredibly friendly and hospitable, which made my stay even more enjoyable. Thanks to the efforts of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I had a comfortable experience despite the COVID restrictions.

Over the past two years, I had the opportunity to interact with the Czechs living in different parts of this beautiful country. Every meeting had something to offer, helping me further strengthen the bonds between India and the Czech Republic. I am not only impressed by the country’s rich history and culture, but also by its technological strengths.

Is that what you do in your free time – wander the streets of Prague?

Yes, quite so. When I have some free time, one of my go-to activities is exploring the charming streets of the old town of Prague. The city is absolutely mesmerizing, and no matter how many times I visit, I am always left in awe of its stunning architecture and rich history.

I am particularly fascinated by the history of this region, and love spending my time reading about it.

Do your interests fit a diplomat’s lifestyle?

Talking to people is a delight for me. Whether it is exchanging ideas or simply sharing a laugh, I relish the opportunity to connect with others, and to delve into the depths of their unique perspectives. My role as a diplomat thus provides me with an excellent opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life, from politicians to bureaucrats, from businessmen to industrialists, and from professors 19 to students. In addition, interacting with the Indian community that is dispersed across the country remains a source of constant encouragement.

How did you become an ambassador?

I started my career as an electronics engineer, but after just three years I knew that my true calling was in diplomacy. I joined the Indian diplomatic service in 1996, and since then I had the opportunity of serving in several world capitals like Brussels, Algiers, and Riyadh. I also worked at the Indian Mission, attached to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva.

Joining the diplomatic service is a dream for many, and I am no exception. My aspirations are driven by the desire to reach the summit of success in my profession, the prestigious position of an ambassador. This role is not only a privilege, but also a symbol of the highest level of diplomatic representation. It is indeed an honour to be posted to a significant European nation like the Czech Republic, with its rich history and strong ties to my home country. I am grateful to my government for entrusting me with such a prestigious role, and I look forward to serving with distinction.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador, in your opinion?

As an ambassador, navigating the delicate dance between two nations is a Herculean feat. On one hand, we are tasked with promoting our country and forging stronger ties with the host country, both at bilateral and multilateral levels. On the other hand, we must delicately convey the nuanced perspectives of each other in order to foster effective communication and mutual understanding. To top it off, adjusting to a new culture and environment adds an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging day-to-day of diplomacy.

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 made you become an ambassador?

Many reasons! But let me tell you that I love this job because it always knows how to keep its mysteries and charms; it’s a continuous adventure. Being a diplomat means being versatile and multi-skilled at work, and always willing to learn and adapt to all situations. In fact, the different missions we have can go from organising a visit of a high dignitary and participating in a meeting on disarmament or bioethics, to leading an economic delegation or organising a concert. After experiencing the work of a diplomat in several levels and positions, further serving my country as an ambassador seemed natural.

Can you tell us more about your rich diplomatic career?

I am a career diplomat with 26 years of experience, a pure product of the Tunisian public schooling system. After my legal and political studies in Tunis, I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997 and had an opportunity to represent my country in Paris, first as a cultural and scientific counsellor at the embassy, and then in our delegation at UNESCO. I also represented Tunisia in several instances at regional and international conferences.

At the beginning of my diplomatic career, I was in charge of political affairs regarding the Arab region, and then of those on multilateral relations and the UN, before joining the Presidency of the Republic as Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Advisor to the President of the Republic in 2017 in charge of European, American, and multilateral affairs. That position had a great impact on my diplomatic career, and allowed me to top off my career with my nomination as ambassador.

As an advocate for women’s rights in Tunisia and everywhere else, I fought with my peers so that women could access decisional positions. I am really proud to be a female ambassador and to share all these values with many other colleagues and partners, especially here in Prague, where the dynamic diplomatic community is reinforced by around 20 female ambassadors and chargés d’affaires.

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.

Let’s get right to the point – what is the current status of Czechia–Lithuania relations?

How do you call a relationship free of any trouble? They’d call it ‘clear skies’ in satellite imagery. We have a perfect relationship that is based on a shared understanding of the past, a shared perception of contemporary challenges, and a shared vision of the future of Europe. The Czech troops have been deployed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s collective security mission, and our trade relations are soaring. Obviously, there still are areas to explore and expand, but the general outlook is extremely positive.

You are among the ambassadors who arrived in Prague two years ago, during the height of COVID-19. What were your first impressions?

I arrived in Prague in September 2020, just a few days before the second lockdown. I remember my wife and I going to the opening concert of the new season at the Rudolfinum, the fantastic performance and the staggering picture of a thousand people, all covered in facemasks… A few days later, the emergency was declared. That indeed was a weird moment. Imagine: we had just arrived and checked in at our hotel. And we discover a few days later that the hotel will stop even serving breakfast. All public life in the city came to a standstill. So, as a foreigner, you don’t even know where to get your food and other essentials from, not to mention the social contacts you are expected to build as a diplomat. This moment is vividly stuck in my memory as the emblem of my first date with Prague. At the same time, the lockdown gave us a rare opportunity to explore the city, emptied of its touristic crowds. To visit all the iconic streets and bridges when there is no one else but history and you.

I treat this starting period with gratitude and respect. Prague and I have passed through a difficult moment together, which makes us brothers-in-arms, as we say in our culture.

The Czech-Lithuanian relationship is free of any trouble. Can you say the same about our economic exchange?

Our trade hit an all-time record in 2022. The annual statistics will be available in March, but the numbers for January-November already indicate unprecedented growth. Thus, our trade volume in January-November crossed 1.3 billion Euros (with 1.1 billion Euros of trade in 2021). This is more than Lithuania’s trade with China during its best period.

We import electronics, plastics, Škoda cars, and pharmaceutical products from Czechia, while we export plastics, electronics, tobacco products, and optical lasers to Czechia. The fact that we trade in similar categories is a testament to the equal character of our partnership. Both Czechia and Lithuania have well-established industries, which increasingly join their hands and talent in mutually benefitting collaborations. Our membership in the EU Single Market makes the case even stronger. I expect that the unfolding transitions to digital and green economies will only consolidate our cooperation.

What stands behind the sensational growth of the Lithuanian economy lately?

‘Sensational’ is a strong word, but we must take two factors into account. One – Russia’s war in Ukraine, and two – China’s unprecedented economic pressure on Lithuania. No other European economy experienced the combination of both. And yet, despite these significant complications, the Lithuanian economy grew by 2.4%. The Central Bank had to revise its predictions several times during the year, and to everyone’s surprise, every time it was coming out with even more optimistic forecasts.

I believe we can single out three factors behind this spectacular performance. Firstly – the post-pandemic demand, when the companies and consumers started spending as never before. Secondly – the strong manufacturing base of the Lithuanian economy, which made us less vulnerable to the pandemic restrictions and post-pandemic disruptions than other European economies reliant on such industries as tourism. Lithuania attracted a total of 57 foreign direct investment projects in 2022, a significant share of it going to the construction of new plants and production facilities. Thirdly – heavy investment in the sectors of the New Economy, including hi-techs, fintechs, biotechs, and others. Today, biotechs generate almost 3% of the national GDP and laser production over 1%. As a leader in continental Europe by the number of licensed e-money and payment institutions, Lithuania is ranked in the TOP 10 of the Global Fintech Index. Add to this our complete independence in terms of energy supplies, and to our nearly complete insulation from the risks of authoritarian markets, and you realize Lithuania is a very good place for your business under these challenging circumstances.

How is the Russian war in Ukraine affecting your economy?

Initially, it has generated concerns about whether Lithuania is a safe place to stay. Our travel agencies had reported of certain groups cancelling their planned trips to Lithuania. But come on, Lithuania does not even have an immediate border with the warzone! Our companies had already borne the brunt of the Russian sanctions since the illegal annexation of Crimea, so, by and large, they have proven resilient to the most recent developments. Since 2014, we have diverted our energy supplies from Russia – now we import oil and gas through our own terminals in Klaipėda. Thus, the war is affecting us mainly through global fluctuations. We have to buy more expensive oil and gas, which reflects on the final energy bill.

We have to compete for industrial supplies with the companies that used to buy in Russia but no longer can. We have to divert public funds from economic investment to security and humanitarian spending. So, of course, there are implications. But they are minimal in comparison to what Ukraine has been suffering, and it is our obligation to help Ukraine win this war sooner.

H.E. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša, Ambassador of Lithuania

Is your country a popular destination for Czech visitors?

This is a very good question. The geographical distance between Czechia and Lithuania is the same as between Czechia and Croatia. But if 80+% of the Czech people have been to Croatia, how many do you think have visited Lithuania? The statistical number for the year 2021 is 3,200. Of course, this is not enough. Why people travel south and avoid travelling north remains a puzzle. The sun and the sea are only a small part of the answer. The sooner we get to solving this puzzle, the larger amount of Czech travellers will have the opportunity to come and see Lithuania and the other Baltic states.

The EU presidency of the Czech Republic has just ended. Were your expectations fulfilled?

First of all, I would like to compliment our Czech friends on their successful presidency. They had to steer the EU in very turbulent times, and had managed well. The EU has consolidated itself and remained united vis-à-vis the Russian aggression. New sanctions have been introduced. The energy shock taken under control. The support package for Ukraine, including military support, was secured. The EU has even overcome its previous stalemate regarding enlargement, with Bosnia, Moldova, and Ukraine receiving candidate status, and Croatia joining both Schengen and the Eurozone. I believe we all emerged more optimistic about the EU, and supportive of it, after the Czech presidency, including the Czech people themselves.

This interview is done on your National Day. Would you like to share a few words on this occasion?

On 16th February, we will celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Lithuanian Independence Restoration Day. It has its roots also here in Prague, because the first printed Lithuanian-language newspaper, which galvanized the national awakening in the 19th century, was produced and edited in Prague Vinohrady, on Balbínova Street. This Czech connection was hardly relevant to the newspaper’s contemporaries, as they were focused on different tasks. However, to our generation, it is a living reminder of how closely interconnected we, the Central European nations, are. I wish that we always remember and cherish our wider European roots, and build our future European house together. A house that definitely has a place for Ukraine.

Can we start this interview with you telling us a bit about your experience growing up in Ghana?

I am the second born in a family of nine, and I come from Agotime Kpetoe in the Volta Region of the Republic of Ghana. My village and Bowri in the Ashanti Region are noted for the hand-woven and adorable Kente cloth, of which Ghana is highly accredited for. Growing up in the village, I, as a young boy, learned how to earn money by weaving Kente cloth since that was the main occupation of our parents. I engaged myself in the Kente weaving industry, and earned enough money to see myself through secondary school, followed by Bishop Herman College at Kpando, which is one of the most prestigious sixth-form schools in the Volta Region.

Did you then proceed with your university studies?

Upon my graduation from the college, I had the intention to enter the Ghana Army in 1982, but as fate would have it, I later shelved the idea and decided to travel abroad for higher university education. I obtained a Bachelor’s and Master of Science Degrees in International Relations from the University of Ife, which is now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in Nigeria. I also had the opportunity to attend the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and did other professional courses in Singapore and Thailand, just to mention a few.

Let me take this opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation to Prof. Edward Mensah of the University of Chicago, and to Prof. George Vukor Quarshie, for all of their assistance and support when in school. Indeed, great results are obtained with passion, persistence, and consistency.

I never gave up and God was on my side, and I made it to the top today.

Indeed, the position of an ambassador is the culmination of any diplomatic career. What made you become a foreign service officer in the first place?

This is a good question. You know, when you are young, you tend to have a lot of fascinating ideas of what lies ahead of you as a profession. In fact, you often cannot settle on one until reality stares you right in the face.

At university, and looking closely at the academic environment and my lecturers at the time, I made up my mind to be in academia, and to work rigorously to become a Professor of International Relations, my choice of course at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, this could not materialise, and I had to look further afield for a career path. With no immediate option at the time, I went in for my National Service and was posted to the Public Services Commission. As God planned it, I met officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and from there I decided to join the Ministry and follow the career path of a diplomat.

Once you decided to join the Foreign Ministry, has your path been straight to the top?

I made my first move to join the Foreign Ministry in 1997, but failed because my superiors at the Public Services Commission would not allow me to leave. I stayed on until ten years later, when another opportunity came – and this time, I was successful.

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.

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

For future ambassadors, I would like to point out the need for selfless devotion to duty, and a penchant for excellence in all activities they undertake in the host country. Interaction with the officials of their country of accreditation on a regular basis goes a long way to pave way for good relations, and for the sharing of vital information.

As I already said earlier, ambassadors, both career and political ones, should work closely with their staff and create a good working environment, where they can tap into ideas that will help accomplish their goals and aspirations in the complex fields of diplomacy in the changing world of the 21st century. Ambassadors should be conversant with their home country, and have pencilled down the needs of their people in order to be able to identify the opportunities that can benefit their country. Knowledge of the economic, cultural, political, social, and human resource potentials of their country can serve as a guide to what they need to do at their post.

Last but not the least, a newly appointed ambassador to any country of the world should be able to tour many parts of that country and learn about the history and culture there. Indeed, for effective diplomacy, an ambassador should have “foreign languages, strong analytical, organisational, and leadership skills, good judgement, and high integrity”, and should not shy away from colleagues.

Do you have any free time to enjoy yourself?

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and all play and no work makes Jack a lazy boy” – so goes the saying, and this applies to all human beings, no matter their status in life. Apart from engaging in real diplomatic activities in the host country, I find time to watch football and take walks in parks around my area. I also appreciate nature; hence I find time for sightseeing and bird watching. Back home, I engage in activities such as gardening and engaging school children in tree planting, as well as other environmental activities.

Can you tell us more about your environmental activities?

I would begin by indicating that it should be the general concern of each one of us to prioritize issues relating to the protection of the environment. We all know that when the last tree dies, the last man also dies. Mother Earth provides all that we see around us, and if we neglect the protection of mother Earth we are digging our own graves, since the consequences will be unbearable to us. The over-exploitation of the world’s natural resources, the pollution of our oceans, rivers, and lakes, and the destruction of our forests are beginning to impact our lives in a negative way.

I have developed a strong interest in the environment over the past 30 years, and this compelled me to join the Evergreen Club of Ghana and serve as its General Secretary, with Madam Sukeena Bonsu as the Club’s Executive Secretary. The aim of the Club is to “draw the interest of children and youth into the protection of trees and the environment as a whole”. Based on the Club’s objectives, environmental clubs were established in some junior secondary schools in Ghana, with the support of teachers to instil environmental protection activities into the children. Tree planting is a major part of our activities.

I am currently working closely with a Slovak NGO engaged in the Planting of Trees for Peace Initiative. I strongly believe that the outcome will be beneficial to Ghana, especially in the area of forest protection and the degradation of the landscape in the mining communities.

Do your country’s natural resources make Ghana an attractive holiday destination?

Tourism is a key economic driver in Ghana. The tourism sector has generated foreign exchange earnings, and has created jobs and wealth, as well as stimulated other sectors. Ghana as a country has many breathtaking tourist attractions, thanks to our natural resources’ endowments.

Ghanaian wildlife species account for 222 mammals, 128 reptiles, 38 amphibians, and 721 bird species. There are also about 20 national parks and reserves, covering approximately 5% of Ghana’s total land surface. With waterfalls, Ghana can boast of Kintampo Waterfall, Wli Waterfall, and Boti Waterfall. With regards to animal sanctuaries, the country has Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, Paga Crocodile Pond, Mole National Park, and monkey sanctuaries like Buabeng Fiema and Tafi Atome.

Tourists are also interested in Ghana’s African cultural heritage. Do you promote this side of Ghana too?

The country has over 30 forts and castles. Among the most visited are Elmina and Cape Coast castles, and Manhyia Palace Museum, which has historic relics and artefacts of Ashanti Kings. You can also visit quite a number of religious monuments, such as Larabanga Mosque, which is among the oldest mosques in West Africa. Other man-made attractions include the Akosombo Dam, conference facilities, hotels, casinos, art galleries, and bustling nightlife, among others. Ghana has over 30 festivals celebrated by different ethnic groups in different calendar months. Recently, the month of December began our greatest celebration season.

For those who enjoy sports, Ghana offers paragliding events that are held every Easter season, plus also sports such as soccer, boxing, golf, etc.

Promoting tourism requires showing the many available attractions to the Czech people and inviting them to visit Ghana. Above all, Ghanaians living in Czechia should always act as tourism ambassadors of Ghana. Cultural shows and concerts of our music in Prague and other cities should be encouraged.

The Czech – Ghanaian relations date back to the time of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. Did this era leave a great mark in Ghana?

Indeed, the political and economic ties between Ghana and the Czech Republic date back to Ghana’s First Republic, under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic were established in 1959. Since then, the Czech Republic and Ghana have maintained diplomatic missions and exchanged envoys at the ambassadorial levels in their respective capitals. Fifteen Ghanaian envoys have served in Prague, and I am the sixteenth on the list.

The Czech contribution to Ghana’s socio-economic development efforts is massive, and I can immediately recount the assistance in the establishment of strategic industries in some parts of the country during the First Republic. The Aboso Glass Factory, Saltpond Ceramics, Kade Match Factory, Komenda Sugar Factory, and the Kumasi Shoe Factory, among others, featured in Ghana’s economic development in the 60s. We need the Czechs back to revive some of these collapsed companies.

What is the current status of Czechia – Ghana relations?

Since my assumption of duty as ambassador, Ghana – Czechia relations have been given a boost, in both the political and economic spheres. A notable event behind this state of affairs was the successful visits of the countries’ representatives, which I would like to mention here.

• The working visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana to Prague in February 2022.
• The official working visit to Prague by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana in September 2022. While in Prague, the Deputy Minister held discussions with his Czech counterpart, Martin Tlapa, on bilateral and multilateral issues of interest to Ghana.
• The visit to Accra by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Martin Tlapa, and the fruitful discussions held on this occasion.
• The visit to Accra by the first Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jiří Kozák, accompanied by a delegation of members of the Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Medical Devices, and representatives of financial houses, in July 2022. This visit was in order to discuss the ongoing projects of building regional hospitals, among other health issues. Note that the meeting afforded the two sides the opportunity to explore avenues for the enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation on health, as well as peace and security issues within the West African and Sahel regions.
• The visit to Accra by the Deputy Minister for Defence of the Czech Republic in July 2021, and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Government of Ghana on Defence Cooperation during the visit, which would enable the two sides to work closely in addressing security challenges both in Ghana and in the region.
• The two-day exploratory visit to Ghana by the delegation of experts on cyber security from the Czech Republic, led by the Minister of Justice, Pavel Blažek, to discuss issues pertaining to cyber security with some relevant Ghanaian stakeholders. The discussions culminated in the proposals for practical collaboration.

The current status of the bilateral relations is also illustrated through the cooperation of the two countries in various international fora, including support for each other’s candidatures for positions at various multilateral institutions. Aside from the above, other activities under economic diplomacy have been through infrastructure development. For instance, the construction of 50 steel bridges across the country, the setting up of tram and railways in the Ashanti region of Ghana, and the ongoing building of hospitals, among others.

---

Ghana is celebrating its 66th Independence Anniversary this year, therefore we asked Ambassador Nyasembi for a few words on this occasion.

Firstly, I would like to say that Ghana is celebrating her 66th birthday. The proclamation of our Independence was made at the Polo Ground in Accra on 6th March 1957, when our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, declared: “At long last, the battle has ended! and thus, Ghana your beloved country is free forever.” He further stated that “our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa”.

On this occasion of the 66th Independence Anniversary of Ghana, it is my honour to extend to all my compatriots in the Czech Republic and countries of concurrent accreditation, warm felicitations. Sixty-six years of Ghana’s independence should make us all proud as a people, irrespective of our challenges.

I wish my countrymen and women peace, joy, love of one another, and God’s blessing in whatever venture they are into. Secondly, I also call for unity of purpose in tackling our current economic challenges, in order to create a better future for our children and mother Ghana. Let us resolve to live in peace, join our hands together in all spheres of life, and devote our thoughts and energies to building a better Ghana, and, for that matter, a better, prosperous, and resilient Africa.

To my compatriots, I would like to state that nation building is a collective enterprise and is the responsibility of all citizens, both at home and abroad. Therefore, I entreat everyone to contribute their quota to the building of a better nation.

We as a nation have suffered the pains of COVID-19, the terrible impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the downturn in our economy, and other challenges that may not allow us to celebrate our national day as planned. I therefore entreat each of us in the diaspora to contribute our quota to the building of a better and prosperous Ghana. I hope and believe that things will turn around for mother Ghana, and we shall have a grand 67th birthday celebration in 2024.

Let me use this opportunity to thank the government and the good people of the Czech Republic, and
to thank our development partners for the sound relations, friendship, and support received from them over the past six years.

As we commemorate our Independence Day, I wish to state that Ghana will continue to work towards global peace, security, democracy, good governance rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the underlying factors for human prosperity and development in Ghana. We are confident that Ghana can count on the cooperation and support of the Czech government and people in her efforts to harness its resources for national growth and development. I wish to use this medium to invite the Czech business community to consider Ghana as a viable investment destination.

I would also like to invite the Czech people to visit and enjoy Ghana’s beautiful coastlines, forts and castles, flora and fauna, and the charm of the beautiful people of Ghana. Above all, we are inviting the business community to come and take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Ghana is a viable investment and tourism destination.

Long live Ghana. Long live Czechia. Thank you!

I realized that expat communities in Prague are missing a comprehensive service provider for their real estate needs, one with adequate customer service, a continuous relationship, and follow-up.

Which services do you offer to your clients? Do you work only with expats?

Over the past two years, I was able to build the boutique firm RealLocate with a professional team of brokers. We are a team of seven, speaking English, French, German, Hebrew, and Czech. We cover all aspects of real estate services relocation, rentals, sales, property management, student housing, and investments. Our portfolio includes many properties in the city centre, so we do work with many expats. We also offer buyer’s agent service, which has become more popular in the past year. But to answer your question – our doors are open to all customers; we provide services to all.

How is the Prague real estate market, compared to the one in New York?

Well, many people have asked me the exact same question. In its principle, it is the same. I find Prague to be a city with more opportunities (than New York), and a place where you can grow and bring forth innovation. The main place for improvement is definitely the customer service area. One of the biggest advantages, at least for me, is forming connections with property owners and developers; I am a strong believer that with positivity and hard work, the sky is the limit. It has always worked for me.

What is your strategy for the current market conditions?

Over the years, I have experienced the real estate market’s ups and downs. It is just a matter of time before the market corrects itself and goes back to normal. From the point of view of an agent, it is important not to put all of your eggs in one basket – specifically now when sales are downshift to rentals. I strongly believe in being a hybrid agent, meaning doing everything (rather than just one specific thing) in order to survive the storm when it hits. My recommendation to my clients is to hold on to their property if they can, and to not panic. To my investors – the current market condition is a great environment for new investments, especially with rental prices rising.

Pavlína Prokešová, Reallocate

Since you are entering a market with already- established big players, what is your niche?

My main niche, I would say again, is the level of customer service. Understanding that our job does not end with the collection of the commission, but just begins. You can check our Google reviews. The fact that my company is a boutique and that overheads are low allows me to have very competitive pricing of our services in comparison to our competition. For me, it is about quality, not quantity.

What should we expect from RealLocate in 2023?

Our main focus is to secure and leave our mark on the Real Estate market. We were able to secure over 54,000m2 of residential leasing over the past two years. Our focus is BTR (“build to rent”) projects – projects with large amounts of units particularly for leasing only. We have a proven track record of effectively managing such projects. I believe that 2023 is a year of BTR, and we are ahead of the game. It is all about volume, and the technological optimization of the process.

Do you believe in giving back to the community?

Yes, I do! Life is all about balance. Every year we organize an event for new international students at Charles University. It’s comforting to already know someone on the first day of school. We are planning a few charity events this year to support a variety of organizations. The main purpose is to bring different business worlds together, and to do some good while networking. The next event will be supporting Agora7, an organization that takes care of and services senior citizens in need. This event will be held in March, and will also include art pieces of new and established artists in the form of an auction.

I heard whispers about “woman empowerment” – what does that mean to you?

As the daughter of a mother who has run a successful business for over 30 years, and the mother of two daughters, I want to lead by example. Women can do it all and enjoy the process while building their career and care for their families. I would also like to encourage women on maternity leave and stay-at-home moms who are looking to continue and grow their careers. Real estate is a platform that offers flexibility and financial Independence. I am always free for a coffee to discuss their options.

For further info, you can contact Pavlína at pavlina@reallocate.cz or her team at www.RealLocate.cz.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional career before being appointed as Ambassador of Cuba in Prague?

I was born in Havana, the capital of Cuba, in 1951. In 1973 I graduated from the University of Havana with a degree in Physics. I became a professor, and for over ten years worked in the Secretariat for Nuclear Affairs in Cuba. My duties consisted of attending to the preparation of personnel for nuclear activity in Cuba. In those years, I visited many countries where Cuba had students studying at universities. Among those countries was also Czechoslovakia, which I visited twice in the 80s. It was then that I was able to get to know Prague, and admire its architecture and the beauty that characterizes this city, for the first time. Since its foundation, I went to work for the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment of Cuba, where I held various positions, including that of an advisor to the minister and vice minister, until my appointment as Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

You worked as a castellan at Český Šternberk, the castle that was restored by your uncle, Zdeněk Sternberg. Can you look back and tell us a bit about the castle?

It is obvious that Český Šternberk is the most beautiful castle in the world! No, seriously – it is one of the oldest castles in our country, founded by Zdeslav in 1241. This Zdeslav, originally Zdeslav from Divišov, began calling himself Zdeslav from Šternberk, and this is where the family name originates. What is interesting is that the castle is still owned by the family, precisely by my cousin Filip. The castle is originally early gothic, but was partially rebuilt in almost all architectonic styles of our history. And finally, the feature appreciated by many visitors – it is built high above the Sázava river, and as such it dominates very nicely to the river valley. Of course, my answer might be slightly biased, but the truth is that I am very fond of the castle and the region. It was a big adventure working there.

Back to the present time now. You are a member of the TOP09 party. What brought you here?I was politically active in the past as part of the liberal- conservative Unie Svobody party. So, when Karel Schwarzenberg, my distant relative and close friend, founded TOP09 I did not hesitate to join. When I got the offer to work for TOP09 in the education field I was very glad that I could help. Later, I felt the same as a general secretary of the party, and as an advisor in the senate. So, yes, it was Karel Schwarzenberg who brought me to TOP09.

Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská and Mayor of the City of Prague (2018-2023) Zdeněk Hřib

Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská and 1st Deputy Mayor of Prague 1 David Bodeček

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

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.

Can you introduce Chapman Taylor to our readers, in case they haven’t heard of you yet?

Chapman Taylor is a global practice of award-winning architects, masterplanners, and interior designers. As a connected international business, we can offer a wide range of expertise to our clients through close collaboration between our studios. Chapman Taylor works across a wide range of sectors, and specialises in residential, retail, leisure, hospitality, and workplace design, as well as the combination of these in large- scale mixed-use environments.

Our Prague studio was established in 1998, and we work mainly in the masterplanning, mixed-use, residential, retail and workplace sectors.

So, Pavla, what are some of the interior design trends we should be aware of these days?

Interior design trends have become very diverse over the last few years due to a number of factors.

One issue we cannot ignore is the fact that we have recently spent more time at home because of the pandemic. This has forced people to slow down a bit, and think about how we use our private spaces, as well as what is important for our quality of life. We have also become more aware of our environment, and of the impact that we have as humans on the world we live in – where things come from, what we consume, and how we spend our money.

Interior design shapes how we decorate and style our homes, offices, restaurants, and hotels. It includes every aspect of the space from the moment we enter a building, starting with the colours, shapes, the selection of materials, how we use light, and which accessories we add for functional and decorative purposes. Every season there is pressure to use new colours, new textures, or newer and more sustainable materials.

Can you describe, in more detail, some recent trends and what drives them?

Underlying all these choices and changes in fashion is the importance of the different moods and atmospheres we can create. Over recent years, there has been a shift towards creating more serene environments and calmer, almost spa-like, experiences, perhaps to contrast with our often-hectic working lives.

As people travel more and get to see the world, there has also been a general move towards greater sophistication. This trend has been around for a while, but it is now expressed in a more relaxed way. The feeling of luxury still remains very important for some clients and in some sectors, especially in hospitality. It is now more of an elegant luxury, but it still retains that magic of not being too easily attainable. It is a treat to be deserved.

If we are talking about design motifs, then there is a trend towards shapes and forms that are gradually becoming more oblong, but soft-edged, and with a curvaceous silhouette.

When it comes to the colour palette, it is still tending towards natural shades with some seasonal accents, but what is more important is the combination of different textures in similar and complementary tones. The contrast of patterns and the gradation of colours stimulate our senses and help to heighten our experience of the ambience around us.

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.