President Tsai Ing-wen conferred a posthumous Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon on late Czech Republic Senate President Jaroslav Kubera Sept. 3 for his significant contributions to strengthening Taiwan-Czech relations.
Kubera was a good friend of Taiwan, Tsai said, reiterating condolences on his passing earlier this year. The honor highlights the two sides’ longstanding ties and shared democratic values, she added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan and the Czech Republic have faced similar challenges in their fights against authoritarianism. Taiwan is proud of its experience and will continue safeguarding democracy while bolstering peace, stability and development in the region, she said.
Presenting the medal to incumbent Senate President Milos Vystrcil, who received the honor on behalf of Kubera, Tsai thanked members of the Czech delegation for their staunch support. The visit demonstrates a deepening friendship between the two sides, as evidenced by three memoranda of understanding signed by business heavyweights from the two countries, the proposal to open branches of two Taiwan state-run banks in the Central European nation and negotiations to launch direct flights by Taoyuan City-headquartered China Airlines between Taipei City and Prague, Tsai added.
The president said the delegation’s visit also conveys a message to the international community that Taiwan and the Czech Republic are united in their beliefs and will not succumb to external pressure.
The government will continue deepening cooperation and exchanges with Czech counterparts in areas spanning defense, healthcare technology, network security, renewable energy and water resource management going forward, Tsai added.
Echoing her remarks, Vystrcil, thanked Tsai for the decoration, calling it a tribute to Kubera’s efforts and an honor for the Czech Senate.
Vystrcil is currently leading an 89-member delegation on a six-day visit to Taiwan. Events on his itinerary include speeches at the Legislature and National Chengchi University in Taipei City. (YCH-E)
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