Issue 04/2023 by Czech & Slovak Leaders

WINTER 2023 www.czechleaders.com incl. electronic version

CONTENTS

interviews

16 Interview with H.E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea On partnership, universal values, and the rule-based international order

insights

35 Three “Czech Lanterns” will define a new airport boulevard and welcome visitors 68 Do you like dogs? 72 How to play the game of stained glass 89 Ahoj, Nachbarn!

events 4

Celebrating Czechoslovak Independence Day on October 28th 48 100-year anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye 54 Czechia welcomed the President of Moldova 77 International Charity Festival traditionally at the Hilton Hotel Prague .E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea and H Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

21 Interview with Fux Karachovič, Calligrapher Mongolia is part of my soul 24 Interview with H.E. Mr. George S. Yiangou, Ambassador of Cyprus Claiming our European future together 28 Interview with Adalbert J. Cserkesz, Musician Jazz is like life – you need to improvise 32 Interview with H.E. Mr. Kevin Peter, Ambassador of Nigeria Nigeria is a vast, colorful mosaic 40 Interview with Vítězslav Havliš, Sales Director of Canadian Medical Investment and modernization – that is our strategy 44 Interview with Jan Čižinský, Mayor of Prague 7 We decided to “go full time” for a real change 58 Interview with Adam Jílek, painter and printmaker Painting totally absorbed me 62 Interview with Onřej Gros, Mayor of Prague 8 Prague 8 is simply my area 66 Interview with Zdeněk Kuneš, Neeco Group On a mission to build the biggest resort in Krkonoše

F irst Lady of the Czech Republic Mrs. Eva Pavlová (right) and Mrs. Carla Marsili, spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, and head of the Diplomatic Spouses Association

farewell letters 53 I’m not saying goodbye, but na shledanou! H.E. Mr. Roberto Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina 76 I cherish every moment I spent here H.E. Mr. Thai Xuan Dung, Ambassador of Vietnam

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Celebrating Czechoslovak Independence Day on October 28th

President Petr Pavel delivers the speech

Translation: Martina Hošková; Photo: Tomas Fungus and Zuzana Bonisch

At a ceremony marking Czechoslovak Independence Day on October 28th, President Petr Pavel (for the first time during his term in office) handed out the high state awards to 62 people for their outstanding services to the state. We would like to present the President‘s full speech, which he delivered on this special occasion at the historical Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle, as well as share the list of all awarded personalities, and show the photos to illustrate the festive atmosphere of the day.

Its 20 years of existence are still a powerful inspiration to us today. We were one of the most advanced economies in the world at the time. We were an island of democracy in fascist-wracked Central Europe. The country had a responsible and morally strong leadership in the person of President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. We have almost reached the top. Of course, not everything was perfect, but we were on the right track, and we were fulfilling the vision of our own democratic state.

„Dear Mr. President Klaus, Dear Mrs. Klausová, Dear Mrs. Havlová, Dear highest constitutional officers, Dear honorees, members of the diplomatic corps, Dear guests, Dear fellow citizens,

Since the end of the First Republic, our territory has gradually diminished. But that doesn‘t mean we should feel like a small country. Today, we are the eighth most populous country in the European Union. And we are committed to continuing to grow our presence in Europe.

For the 105th time, we celebrate the founding of our republic. It is remarkable how much it has changed in that time. Today we are basically a different state, half the size. Yet we still look back at the first republic of Czechoslovakia.

We should look at the past with fairness and confidence. We often go back to our historic defeats, 1938, ´48, ´68, and the period of unfreedom that followed. But let‘s focus more on the achievements, particularly in 1918 or 1989, but also on

President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová enter the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle

our joining NATO in 1999 and certainly on our joining the European Union in 2004. But there are also dark moments in our history that we cannot be proud of. The solution is not to turn a blind eye to them. We must find the courage to accept them and move on. Only an open acceptance of the past in its true form will lead us to a complete reconciliation with it and a sense of our own liberation. Perhaps also because of our complicated modern history, we sometimes tend to underestimate ourselves, to lack confidence in our own abilities, and to lose hope for a better future. I would like to emphasize here today, in this place so symbolic for us, that we have many reasons for healthy self-confidence. And to do that in the presence of dozens of honorees who are the best evidence of that. Neither Russia‘s war on Ukraine nor the Islamist terrorism Israel must respond to is contributing to a positive outlook for

the future. But we have the strongest security anchorage we have ever had in our history. The knowledge that we are part of the strongest defense establishment in the world, one that commands real respect and in which we have an equal voice with our allies, is the foundation of our security. At the same time, we cannot rely only on the external guarantees of our allies. Because even in NATO, too, it is true, first alone and then together. That‘s why we must strengthen our security first and foremost with our own forces. Our country lies at the heart of Europe, and it is only natural that we should be part of the European Union. A project that brought peace and prosperity to Europe. For centuries, Europe had been torn apart by a number of wars, but since its gradual integration into the European Union, its member states have not been at war with each other. The Union gives people opportunities we never had. Our companies have a free market 45 times bigger than the Czech one. They can sell their products there under

the same conditions as in our country. The common European market also gives jobs to people in the Czech Republic. And those who want to try it abroad can work in any of the member countries without restriction. Common European rules guarantee us the safety of the goods and foods we import. They also result in a significantly better environment or protection of individual rights in the digital world. It is the European Union that is investing the most in bridging the gap between poor and rich regions. And actually, a lot more than our governments have spent from national resources. We can travel freely in Europe. We can also study freely and feel at home anywhere in Europe. Europe is our home. The common European project is not flawless, but it is the project with the best motivations and objectives. We are part of it, and we too have the right and the opportunity to participate in it. It is not Brussels deciding about us without us. It is the Slovaks, the Polish, the Dutch, the Danes, the Portuguese, the Czechs and all the others who together decide on our common Europe. We have in our own hands many tools with which to influence the shape of the European Union in the right direction. We have similar chances as all the other member countries. It is not us and them. We are both Czechs and Europeans. I am a proud Czech, but at the same time, I feel a strong sense of belonging to Europe. The Czech Republic is heard abroad, and increasingly in good terms. We should be proud of that. After a long time, there is consensus among our top constitutional representatives on the direction of foreign policy, and I am pleased that it was possible to find consensus in this field even with the strongest opposition party. We don‘t need to assure our allies in the Union, in the Alliance and in the UN that they can rely on the Czech Republic. They know.

Our greatness and credibility are also proven by our actions. Our assistance to Ukraine is an expression of the values that we share with the free democratic world. I am proud of the Czech society that has shown solidarity and humanity by accepting almost half a million refugees from Ukraine and when people were able to collect incredible amounts of money in various collections to help Ukraine. In addition to the knowledge that we are willing to help those in need, it appears that our openness has other positive effects. Today, refugees from Ukraine are involved in the Czech economy, paying taxes and helping where we have long been short of labor. For over 30 years, we have been living in a democracy again. And yet, in the long run, our support for democracy is weaker than in the countries to the west of our borders. Thirty years ago, we had great expectations. Many, however, have been disappointed by their dreams of democracy. They feel that democracy is the cause of what has gone wrong in the past decades. But that is not the case. Democracy is the rule of the people, and it is the rule of all of us for all of us. And it will only be what we all, the citizens of our country, make it. Therefore, it is not only a great opportunity, but it is also a great collective responsibility. We all have the right to choose our representatives, our politicians. And then also monitor them closely to see how they stand up for their positions and whether it is really in the interest of the citizens. Be tough on your politicians, including me. In Europe, as elsewhere in the world, the temptation of populism and strong-arm rule is spreading. A populism that promises, scares, and plays on national intolerance and mistrust of everything that comes from outside. Let us find the courage not to support the seemingly easy way. Do we want to be a country of free and confident people, or do we give up a part of our freedom and put ourselves in the hands of someone who promises to take care of us?

Democracy is not an easy road, and it certainly doesn‘t end with elections. Everyone has a chance to contribute. Some join a political party or a local movement in their community because they want change. Others may contribute through civic engagement, concrete actions in their neighborhood, lobbying politicians or organizing events in their own community. It is a collaborative project in which everyone can and should play their part. Only in this way will we remain a society of free, responsible and active people, what Václav Havel called civil society. The greatest wealth of the Czech Republic is our people. I see this in my travels to the regions, but also in my meetings with Czechs abroad. They are university students, entrepreneurs, innovators, but also doctors and nurses, soldiers and policemen, teachers at all levels and those who work with their hands. In short, all those who have a positive and honest approach to what they do. If we can develop this human capital properly, we are going to be able to play in the world‘s premier league. Most of us remember the early ´90s. At that time, society was literally overflowing with energy, expectation, and determination to change. We wanted free elections, democracy, freedom, and a market economy. We wanted to go west, to the European Union and to NATO. And when it all came true, it was like we lost our direction and our determination. Our economy has, in part, exhausted some of its original advantages, such as the willingness of the West to invest here for cheap labor. Therefore, we have to look for new ways to succeed and grow. We need a new direction, a new plan for the future of this country. We need a direction that the majority of society will accept as their new common goal. As it has been many times in the past. We need an educated and skilled society that can meet the demands of tomorrow‘s labor market. And an educational system where every child, no matter what background they come from, will have an equal opportunity to succeed. We need an economy that is much more based on innovation, linked to the results of our research, to change the orientation of our economy from manufacturing to education. It is not enough to know how to make good products. We can achieve the greatest benefit if our people first design, manufacture, complete, sell and service them. We need to prepare for new challenges, such as how artificial intelligence or climate change will impact our lives. We need to be able to close the gap between the impoverished regions and the rest of the country more quickly. We can‘t just sit back and watch as one part of the country grows and other parts sink into problems over the long term. We need to motivate municipalities and regions in all parts of our country to try to attract promising companies that offer people well-paid jobs. Public administration needs to be more efficient, and we need to create the legislative conditions for it to be able to move forward quickly with the implementation of important

projects, for example, in the field of housing or transport. There are many changes ahead of us to become more competitive, to make our country a better place to live. To succeed, we should suppress our nationally specific, often unnecessarily, skeptical thinking a little bit. It is not that complicated, all we have to do is say, we want, we can, we do. And if it doesn‘t work the first time, we will try again and again until we succeed, or as the father told young Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman, we fall down to learn how to get up again. That courage, determination, effort, and diligence produce results is demonstrated by the stories of the people to whom I am about to award the State Awards today. They are all proof that overcoming obstacles makes sense. Vladislav Hall will never be big enough to hold all such stories. The award would also be well deserved by all children who are not afraid to defend their classmates against bullying. Single parents who manage the care of their children without the support of a partner. All those who care for loved ones with disabilities and those who help those in need, who they often even don´t know. All those who choose the path of goodness, justice, and honesty, even if it is not by far the most comfortable path for them. It is a great honor for me to be able to welcome and personally honor at Prague Castle today dozens of people whose lives have inspired many of us and whose personal stories have rendered extraordinary service to our country. These personalities are the best role models and inspiration for finding the common story of our country, and for naming the path we want to walk together. Thank you for your attention.“ Petr Pavel, President of the Republic, Prague Castle 28 October 2023

President Petr Pavel decorates 62 exceptional Czech personalities

The award ceremony was moderated by Ing. Jana Vohralíková – Head of the Office of the President

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Civil Division, 1st Class on Petr Pithart for his most distinguished service to the Czech Republic in the field of politics.

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Civil Division, 1st Class on Pavel Rychetský for his most distinguished service to the Czech Republic in the field of politics.

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Civil Division, 1st Class on Karel Schwarzenberg for his most distinguished service to the Czech Republic in the field of politics.

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Military Division, 1st Class on Karel Mareš in memoriam for his outstanding service to the Czech Republic in the field of defense and security and for his excellent command and combat activity.

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Military Division, 1st Class on František Pecháček in memoriam for his outstanding service to the Czech Republic in the field of defense and security.

T he President bestowed the White Lion Order – Military Division, 1st Class on Milan Rastislav Štefánik in memoriam for his distinguished service to the Czech Republic.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Tomáš Halík for his outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Marta Kubišová for her outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Zdeňka Mašínová for her outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Jan Sokol in memoriam for his outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Jarmila Stibicová for her outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 1st Class on Milan Uhde for his outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 2nd Class on Ilja Hradecký for his outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 2nd Class on Hana Librová for her outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Order, 2nd Class on Jan Šolc for his outstanding contribution to the development of democracy, humanity, and human rights.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Josef Bernat in memoriam for his heroism in combat.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Oldřich Doležal in memoriam for his heroism in combat.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Jiří Pavel Kafka for his heroism in combat.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Stanislav Zimprich in memoriam for his heroism in combat.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Pavel Farka for his heroism in saving human life.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Petr Jirout for his heroism in saving human life.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Martin Salay for his heroism in saving human lives.

T he President bestowed the Medal for Heroism on Jiří Štěpánek for his heroism in saving human lives.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Jiří Bartoška for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture and art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Vladimír Beneš for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Miloň Čepelka for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture and art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Hana Dvořáková for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Josef Fanta for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Eva Graham -Romanová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of sports.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Jiří Grygar for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Jiří Chvála for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of training and education.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Radek Jaroš for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of sports.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Josef Jařab in memoriam for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of state and citizen security.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Jaroslav Jíra for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of state and citizen security.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Božena Jirků for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Eva Kantůrková for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture and art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Ida Kelarová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture, training and education.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Ivan Klánský for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Miroslav Kopřiva for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of economic.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Petr Kostka for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Magdalena Kožená for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on David Lukáš for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Miroslav Masák for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Květoslav Mašita for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of sports.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on František Mertl for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Vladimír Mišík for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Bedřich Moldan for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of training and education.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Josef Neček for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of sports.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Jaroslav Němeček for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture and art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Miloslav Nevrlý for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Eva Opravilová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of training and education.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Květa Pacovská in memoriam for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Josef Pešek in memoriam for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of defense.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Martin Povejšil in memoriam for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of state and citizen security.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Viktor Preiss for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Petr Sís for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture and art.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Olga Sommerová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of culture.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Vladimír Staněk for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Marek Svoboda for his service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Dina Štěrbová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of sports.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Helena Tlaskalová – Hogenová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

T he President bestowed the Medal of Merit, 1st Class on Věra Vávrová for her service to the Czech Republic in the field of science.

Prague Castle, 28th October 2023

INT ER VI E W W I T H H.E. MR. YO U N GK I H O N G, AMB A S S A D O R O F THE REP UBL IC O F KO REA

H .E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea and Mr. Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

On partnership, universal values, and the rule-based international order Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Should we pick but one thought that comes to mind when pondering on the words of H.E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of Korea, it would be “continuum”. “I am grateful for what our fathers‘ generation achieved, and proud of what our generation did. I am also keen on what we should do for our children’s generation, facing new global challenges,” says the Ambassador. “The more I learn, the more I see that things are inter-connected. I am truly glad that Czechia and Korea are on the same page, supporting universal values and a rule-based international order.”

Can you tell our readers about yourself? I was born in Seoul, in the Republic of Korea. My generation of Koreans has gone through a great transition from a poor, authoritarian society to a thriving democracy. Fast economic growth started in the 1960s, as the Korean

government was single-mindedly focused on economic development, heavily investing in an export-driven economy, infrastructure, and education. During my days at Seoul National University in the 1980s, Korean colleges and universities were a bastion of students trying to push

I N T E R V I E W W I T H H.E. MR. YO UNG KI HO NG, AMBA S S A D O R O F THE REP UBL IC O F KOR E A

ational Day celebration, from left: H.E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea with his spouse and Prof. Ing. Jiří Drahoš, N 1st Vice President of the Czech Senate

for a change in our society, with different political ideas and divergent worldviews. By the early 1990s, Korea achieved both unprecedented economic development and a thriving liberal democracy. When I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991, I had no experience with even a single foreign trip. Korea and its culture were little known outside Asia. Now, things are much different, and, to my surprise, I have found Korean food, music, and TV dramas widely popular in many countries. I am grateful for what our fathers‘ generation achieved, and proud of what our generation did. I am also keen on what we should do for our children’s generation, facing new global challenges. I served as Director General of the International Economic Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working mainly in the areas of trade negotiations with major trading partners such as the US, EU, and China. I participated in multilateral negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the heyday of multilateralism. I spent many years in London, Paris, and Geneva, and some years in Ghana and Kuwait. I am interested in history and culture, so I love spending most of my days meeting people with various backgrounds and acquiring new knowledge and insights. The more I learn, the more I see that things are interconnected. Personally, I am a father of two daughters, and I am currently living in Prague with my wife, who really loves everything about the Czech Republic.

What was your path to becoming an ambassador? My academic background is in economics and law, but I have always loved history. Meeting new people and getting to understand cultural differences give me joy all the time. I know there are many layers in every society, like in every human being. No black-and-white division. When I graduated, Korean society was making a transition from an authoritarian government to a country of democracy, economic openness, and globalization. At this critical time, I decided to become a diplomat to see the changing world. It was a great pleasure, and rewarding to be engaged in crucial negotiations such as a free trade agreement with the United States to globalize and liberalize the Korean economy. The beauty of a rule-based international order was that you could negotiate things with big powers on an equal footing – or, precisely speaking, almost equal. I also participated in multilateral trade negotiations at the WTO in Geneva, and watched the rise and fall of the WTO dispute settlement system. In retrospect, all these things look so surreal now. The rule-based international system that once looked so dear and so prevailing is now facing great challenges on many fronts. I am truly glad that Czechia and Korea are on the same page, supporting universal values and a rule-based international order. When I was designated as the Korean Ambassador to the Czech Republic after serving as the Korean Ambassador to Kuwait, and later as Korea’s Arctic Ambassador, I was truly amazed. Czechia is a place of great culture and history for Korea, and both Korea and Czechia have lots of bilateral cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment. I am sure I can have my best adventure here.

H .E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea with the management of Hyundai Czech Republic

It has only been a few months since you arrived in the Czech Republic. What are your impressions so far? The Czech Republic is a nation with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people. It is renowned for its wealth of historical landmarks, including the stunning Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the beautiful Old Town Square. On the first day of my new post, the view of Prague from the window of the hotel near the Old Town was so mesmerizing that, in that instant, my wife and I fell in love with Prague. The two countries are based on the same democratic values and principles. In 1918, Czechoslovakia, led by President T. G. Masaryk, gained independence, and the First Czechoslovak Republic was born based on democratic ideals and principles. On March 1st, 1919, all Koreans expressed their strong desire for independence, which led to the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government. There were some interactions between Koreans and Czechs around 1920, when the Czechoslovakian army in Vladivostok sold their weapons to the Korean independence army. In 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule and began a long and painful journey to become a peaceful and prosperous country, with a thriving democracy and strong economy. The Czech people went through a similar turbulent journey and built a prosperous society, with democratic ideals and thriving cultural traditions. Over the last four months, I have visited local cities, experienced the unique beauty of each region, and met their leaders. I have found them to be friendly and open to building strong ties with Korea.

Do you personally enjoy the lifestyle of an ambassador? I have been intellectually curious since I was young. Whenever I was appointed to a new position as a diplomat, I studied the history, society, and culture of the country ceaselessly and with great interest. The Czech Republic is a country that has a lot for me to learn from. Whenever I walk through the streets of Prague, stories about Charles IV, Jan Hus, and Jan Žižka enchant me with such powerful vividness. While here, I also study and constantly read books in order to look at history in a broader European context. Traces of Rudolf II, the Thirty Years‘ War, and Mozart that I see in Prague come to me with a new meaning and perspective. Most of all, I am really fascinated by the achievements of President T. G. Masaryk, with his humble background, honesty, leadership, and courage to stand by principles and ideals. What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador? Being an ambassador requires a delicate balance between representing the interests of my home country and respecting and cooperating with the host country. The work of the ambassador is never routine – something unexpected always happens. I always seek the opinions of the headquarters or of experts to resolve these unexpected situations, yet there are some occasions when I have to decide and act at my own discretion. Sometimes, it is quite difficult to see things from a wider perspective. I should fully understand the global geopolitical issues and context

I N T E R V I E W W I T H H.E. MR. YO UNG KI HO NG, AMBA S S A D O R O F THE REP UBL IC O F KOR E A

that are not limited to the region of Central Europe. When I was serving in Geneva in the past, the governments and diplomats from all over the world were optimistic about the integration of the world. Today, however, there are major geopolitical risks that have arisen worldwide. I think these risks are making every ambassador’s job more challenging. Korea is an industrial power. Can you tell us more about the cooperation with the Czech Republic in this sphere? The relationship between Korea and the Czech Republic has been growing stronger in recent years. Both countries have worked collaboratively on various levels – from trade and technology to cultural exchange programs – which has been a testament to the positive trajectory of our diplomatic ties. Another great similarity Korea and the Czech Republic share is that both have strong manufacturing bases. Recently, the Czech Republic has been very interested in fostering high-tech industries such as Small Modular Reactor (SMR), electric vehicles, batteries, high-speed rails, and drones. Since Korea has strengths in these areas, there is a lot of room for our two countries to cooperate in the future. For example, a Korean company, Doosan, acquired shares of Skoda Power, a Czech company, in 2009. The portion of overseas orders of Skoda Power was only around 30% before the acquisition, but that of Doosan

Skoda Power reached 85% last year. This is a good example, demonstrating that we can exert greater competitiveness in the global market with the strengths of the two countries’ companies combined. Are there any specific challenges connected to your ambassadorial role in Czechia? Luckily, the challenges in my ambassadorial role in this country are relatively small due to the alignment of democratic values between Korea and the Czech Republic. I believe that the Czech Republic and Korea, as middle powers sharing universal values and supporting the rulebased international order, can cooperate in various fields to address challenging international issues. Understanding the Czech culture and language remains important for effective diplomacy. While English is widely spoken, grasping cultural nuances and maintaining language proficiency remain crucial aspects of building trust and intimacy with the Czech people. Czech and Korean people can use direct flights between our countries. What do you focus on when promoting your country? As the direct flights between Incheon and Prague resumed in March, many tourists are travelling to and from both our countries, and their interests in each other’s cultures are on the rise.

an Duck-soo, Prime Minister of South Korea (third from left), H.E. Mr. Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea (left), H and the bid team of World EXPO 2030 – Busan, Korea

INT ER VI E W W I T H H.E. MR. YO U N GK I H O N G, AMB A S S A D O R O F THE REP UBL IC O F KO REA

S howing Korea’s bid for the Dukovany nuclear power plant, from right: H.E. Ms. Suzilah Binti Mohd Sidek, Ambassador of Malaysia; H.E. Mr.Youngki Hong, Ambassador of South Korea; H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye; Prof. Ing. Jiří Drahoš, 1st Vice President of the Czech Senate

We are working hard to introduce and share the various aspects of Korean culture to the Czech people through embassy events and social media. These cultural aspects include Korean food, Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), Korean folk songs, as well as K-pop, movies, and dramas that have gained global popularity through various platforms. Also, I would like to create many opportunities for practical cultural exchanges between the two cultures, beyond simply promoting Korean culture in the Czech Republic. I am currently engaged in discussions with the Czech government regarding the establishment of a Korean Cultural Center in the Czech Republic, aiming to systematically support cultural exchange between our two countries. If this endeavor comes to fruition, it would open up many opportunities for Czechs to experience Korean culture firsthand. Could you talk more about your own life here in Prague? How do you experience Czech culture? I try to meet and talk with various people during off-work hours. Following my Czech friends’ recommendation, I am learning Czech folk songs from time to time, such as “Ach synku, synku” and “Lasko ma, ja stunu”. I have found Czech singers like Karel Gott to be really talented. My wife and I are kind of music lovers, and we are trying to visit many concerts and music events as well. Additionally, I enjoy visiting various local cities (other than Prague) in the Czech Republic, and discovering and experiencing the various attractions of the country. When I visited Telč recently, I was very impressed with the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and by the beautiful scenery in the city.

In conclusion, can you give us some facts to illustrate the state of Czechia-Korea relations? Korea and the Czech Republic established diplomatic relations in 1990, and agreed to upgrade their relationship to a higher level of strategic partnership in 2015. In fact, Korea was the first Asian country to forge a strategic partnership with the Czech Republic, which clearly proves that we are genuine friends and partners. Currently, the world is confronted by a range of geopolitical challenges and conflicts. At this very moment, it is more important than ever for Korea and the Czech Republic to cooperate as strategic partners in order to address these challenges. This year marks a critical juncture for both countries, with high-level officials’ visits following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Speaker of the Korean National Assembly visited Czechia in June, following the visit by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia to Korea in March. Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Prague and met with Prime Minister Petr Fiala in September. Finally, President Yoon Suk Yeol met with President Petr Pavel in New York in September. With this momentum, I look forward to expanding the scope of our bilateral cooperation to nuclear energy and high-tech industries. Busan‘s bid for the 2030 World Expo hosting city is an area in which we wish to rely on Czechia’s support as well. The KHNP’s bid for the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant is also a very important project, which will upgrade our economic ties to a new level. I sincerely hope that my role and efforts as an ambassador will pave the way for consolidating a stronger relationship between our two countries.

INTER VIE W W ITH FUX K A RACHO VIČ, CA L L IG R APH E R

Mongolia is part of my soul Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Tomáš Stoupa

Calligraphy is a form of visual art; the word can be translated as “beautiful writing”. It has a long history, and comprises of different styles from all over the world. Calligraphers transform ordinary letters into visually appealing expressions. Mongolian calligraphy emerges as quite distinctive, boasting the unique feature of being one of the few vertical scripts, and the Czech artist, Fux Karachovič, a notable calligrapher of this script, stands out as one of the few non-Mongolian practitioners. You are Czech, yet you practise the art of Mongolian calligraphy. How did that happen? I have been studying different scripts for years, and in 2012, during my studies of linguistics, I first came across the art of Mongolian calligraphy. I remember our teacher bringing a thing to his presentation that changed my life – a book with an inscription on its cover in Classic Mongolian script. I knew at that moment that I had to learn it because there wasn’t a more beautiful script in the entire world. Later, I also wrote a thesis comparing Classic Mongolian with the modern Khalkh Mongolian. Mongolia has simply been

part of my soul, ever since. I am grateful for being able to perform the art of Mongolian calligraphy, to show my works to Mongolian people at street performances and exhibitions, and especially for being recognised for the quality of my scripts in the country where this art comes from. What exactly feels so appealing about Mongolian calligraphy? Let me start with some facts. In 2013, UNESCO acknowledged the significance of Mongolian calligraphy, known as „Mongol Bičig,“ by inscribing it

on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights its role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Mongolian people. There are not many non-Mongolian practitioners. With me though, as I have already explained, it was love at first sight. I have been tinkering with various scripts all my life, starting with Hebrew, later Sanskrit. But the Classic Mongolian struck me the most and it has been this way since 2012. With unique grammar mixed with amazing shapes of its letters, it is both well-structured and dynamic thus enabling the artist to express anything he feels inside. You became the first foreign artist with a permanent exhibition in the calligraphy center in Kharkhorin, Mongolia, and even earned recognition from the Mongolian president. How do you feel about that? Erdenesiin Khuree, the center of traditional calligraphy in Kharkhorin, was founded by leading Mongolian calligrapher Tamir Samandbadraa Purev. The opening of the center, planned for 2020, was postponed due to the global pandemic and took place a year later. I was invited to participate in 2022. My main body of work was a golden round satellite disc, within a traditional Mongolian ger. It’s the absolute pinnacle of what I’ve

been doing for the last ten years, a confirmation that my skills have improved over the years. Finally, I have become a Mongolian calligrapher, recognised by the top calligraphers in Mongolia. Your artwork is a blend of traditional and innovative methods. Can you tell us more about what you actually do? Well, with passion and love, I try to breathe a new vitality into the tradition. I incorporate my own poetry into the texts, use giant brushes, do live performances and body painting, and so on. What I really enjoy with all my heart is doing workshops – custom-made for participants from 6 to 90 years old, and spanning from basic introductory presentations about Mongolia to advanced courses and brushwork. I have exhibited in many exhibitions in the Czech Republic as well as Mongolia, and my pieces have been displayed at the Mongolian Embassy in Prague, which I often cooperate with. I also like performing live in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar for the European Days, under the auspices of the Czech Embassy. If anyone is interested in more details about what I do, you are welcome to visit my Facebook page, or my webpage at www.fuxcalligraphy.com to get a better picture.

INT ER VI E W W I TH H.E. MR. G E O R G E S. Y I A N GO U, AMBA S S A D O R O F CY P RUS

Claiming our European future together Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

It was almost a year ago that H.E. Mr. George S. Yiangou, Ambassador of Cyprus, arrived in Prague to assume his role as ambassador for the first time. He appreciates the warm reception he received from Czech state officials, gets inspired by Czech presidential icons Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and Václav Havel, and is happy about finding the missing historical connection between the two countries at Karlštejn Castle. “Our countries share the common principles and values that underlie life in the Union,” the Ambassador says, “and I hope we will persevere in claiming our European future together.” 24

Can you tell us about yourself? I was born and raised in Cyprus, which I care very much for. After finishing my studies abroad, and an employment stint in academia, I joined my country’s Foreign Service. I am a career diplomat by trade, a husband, and a proud father of two daughters. I think that should suffice by way of a brief introduction. Just not to forget to mention that I always believed in something that Václav Havel once said: “Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs”. What are some of your impressions and highlights from almost a year of being in the Czech Republic? This is my first Ambassadorial posting, and I love it deep in my heart. So does my family, by the way. From Prague’s stunning architecture which comes straight out of a fairy tale, to the Czech countryside which brims with history and natural beauty. From a professional point of view, I cannot stress what a warm reception I received from Czech state officials and colleagues alike, be it at Prague Castle, the Office of the Government, the Černín Palace, and elsewhere. As for the highlights, let me share one that really staggered me: For quite some time, I had been trying to track down connections in the pre-20th century history of relations between Cyprus and Czechia, but to no avail. Until a friend with outstanding historical knowledge advised me that, in the middle of the 14th century AD, King Peter Lusignan I of Cyprus had visited Bohemia and met with the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. You can hardly imagine my joy when I then discovered that the meeting between the two monarchs had been recorded

on a fresco painting in the Church of the Virgin Mary at Karlštejn Castle, about a one-hour drive from Prague, which was the Imperial Residence of Charles IV. Does being an ambassador easily blend into your lifestyle? Long hours of work and sacrificing personal interests are part of an ambassador’s life. Then again, if you are organized enough and feel your job is meaningful – which it is if one considers that the crux of what we do pertains to the safeguarding of our countries’ well-intended national interests – you will be much happier as an ambassador, which at the end of the day is in itself a way of living. In the case of Cyprus, where over the past fifty years we have learned to live with an ongoing existential threat, this aspect is even more heightened. Is sacrificing personal interests the most difficult part of being an ambassador? In my view, the worst downside of our profession has to do with the fact that there is not a good work-family life balance, given that we must schedule our family lives around our job. For a father like me, whose children are still of a young age and want to spend time with their dad, this is perhaps the most difficult part of being an ambassador, but also for diplomats of all ranks. With the comfort of direct flights, Cyprus is a tempting holiday destination for Czech people. What awaits those travelling to your home island? It is true that Cyprus is an absolutely delightful holiday destination in the Mediterranean Sea, with beautiful

I N T E R V IE W W ITH H.E. MR. G EO R G E S. Y IA NG O U, AMBA S S A D O R O F CYPR US

H.E. Mr. George S. Yiangou, Ambassador of Cyprus

INTER VI E W W I T H H.E. MR. G E O R G E S. Y I A N GO U, AMBA S S A D O R O F CY P RUS

beaches, idyllic mountainous terrains, natural wonders, and ancient historical sites. Further to that, our long-standing expertise in hospitality and quality of services make our guests’ stay memorable. But you were very shrewd in pointing out the existence of direct flights from Prague to Larnaca, throughout the year in fact, which has contributed to the significant increase of tourist flow from Czechia – and the plan is to bring in even more Czech visitors. One need not forget that, because of weather conditions, Cyprus can also be a wonderful winter destination, with great potential for alternative forms of tourism such as sports tourism (including cycling), ecotourism, gastronomy tourism, wine tourism, and many more.

How do you describe the status of Czechia-Cyprus relations? You know, Cyprus and Czechia share a long-standing, close, and friendly bilateral relations. As member states of the European Union, which we both joined in 2004, the two countries share the common principles and values that underlie life in the Union: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and promoting peace and stability in the continent and beyond. Of course, there is always a high degree of potential for further development of our bilateral ties, and, as a matter of fact, we have started exploring the development of mutually beneficial projects, including in fields such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, human

I N T E R V IE W W ITH H.E. MR. G EO R G E S. Y IA NG O U, AMBA S S A D O R O F CYPR US

H.E. Mr. George S. Yiangou, Ambassador of Cyprus

rights (including women’s rights), education, et cetera. Now, one sector where we can certainly do more is that of foreign direct investments, which obviously goes in both directions. But, from the point of view of my country, I think we need to do a bit more to showcase Cyprus as a great location in terms of having a legal, financial, and operating climate for business, where Czech investors can set up operations, expand their current ones, establish largescale warehouses and regional centres, and so on. This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. What are you wishing for your country? And for the Czech Republic? Indeed, on 1st October we celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. But for us, our independence and sovereignty have never been self-evident. In 1974, we had to face the Turkish military invasion, causing a huge blow to the country in all aspects of life, which resulted in almost 37% of Cyprus´ territory remaining under foreign occupation. Even though, over the course of time, we managed to turn Cyprus into a thriving and

modern European state, my wish is for President Nikos Christodoulides’ tireless efforts to break the current deadlock and see through the resumption of negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive, viable, and functional settlement of the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and in accordance with the European Union principles and values. I hope the Czech Republic continues to see peace and progress, and that, in a world full of geopolitical challenges, it will persevere – along with partners like Cyprus – in claiming our European future together, and in defending our common values. It is in this very vein that we stand united in our support for Ukraine. I would have been remiss had I finished without alluding to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the founding father of Czechoslovakia, who was a great statesman and set a standard for democratic principles and respect for human rights, and whose vision of a just society, where liberty prospers and truth prevails, continues to guide everyone up until now.

INT ER VI E W W I TH A DA LB E R T J. C S E R K E S Z, MU S I CIA N

Jazz is like life – YOU NEED TO IMPROVISE Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Naturally born musicians don’t make music because they want to, they make music because they must. Music is their life. It is their unique way of communicating. Therefore, in order to understand a musician a little bit, you really have to listen to their music. However, since we are a printed magazine, may our interview with musician Adalbert J. Cserkesz serve as a kind of written prelude to your listening to his music. Tell us about yourself, please, who is Adalbert J. Cserkesz? Usually, I introduce myself as a multi-instrumentalist producer. I do it this way because I play many instruments like guitar, drums, bass, piano, and different percussion instruments. And, in the past, I produced many formulations, bands, and artists – and I have actually kept on doing that in the present, here in Prague.

Right here at the beginning, I need to clarify that I’m not a jazz musician, or not just a jazz musician. This is because, in my musical experience and career, I have collaborated with all kinds of formulations, bands, artists, as well as music genres like big bands, funk soul bands, electronic music, d’n’b, fusion, free jazz, world music, ethno jazz, metal rock, and alternative rock. I didn’t skip classical formulations either, collaborating with the likes of Luiza Zan, Viorica Pintilie, Berti Barbera, Sorin

INTER VIE W W ITH A DA L BER T J. CS ERK ES Z, MUSICIAN

Organ Trio project V3

Romanescu, Cezar Cazanoi, Marius Gagiu, Rick Condit, Erwin Ditzner, Joe Bartmes, Slang, Urma, and many others. Are you working on some special projects here in Prague? Yes, I started two interesting fresh projects here. One is with Agnieszka Twardoch, a jazz singer who has also been a vocal coach for over 10 years at the Jaroslav Ježek Music School in Prague. Our live shows are called “Odds and Ends” because we let you enjoy most of the biggest MTV hits in our personalized jazzy manner. We play music from artists like Joni Mitchell, Cinematic Orchestra, Amy Winehouse, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Willson, Nina Simone, Lou Reed, Nora Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Tuck and Patty, Jimi Hendrix, Cindy Lauper, Commodores, and many others. My other project is called V3 Organ Trio, and it is an instrumental funk soul jazz ensemble. It is a project based on the friendship between the three members, each from different regions / countries, yet at the same time sharing a common cultural / political history. In the trio’s repertoire, you

can find both jazz and pop soul funk hits, interpreted in their personalized musical manner and arrangement. Simply put, it is everything from pop to rock through Jazz: from Zawinul to Michael Jackson, through Roy Ayers and others. We cater our concerts to lovers of the music genre (funk soul jazz), as well as to people who like to dance. The public will soon be able to see us in Prague, and we were also already invited to a few international festivals with these projects. What can you tell us about your music? My music comes from me, from my imagination, and it may be more complex than I can reproduce. Sometimes I can, sometimes not… It’s like life – it’s part of my life, with ups and downs as it normally is. I like to compose, but I also like to reproduce / recover other artists’ songs. I do consider them geniuses, and I believe that no one could have written these songs better during their time. Given that, I try to complete and add some personal updates to their songs too.

INTER VIE W W ITH A DA L BER T J. CS ERK ES Z, MUSICIAN

What is jazz? In my opinion, jazz is one of the freest modalities of musical self-expression. It’s like life – you need to improvise all the time. You perform all over the world. Are your origins in Romania? Yes, I am from Transylvania, the middle and heart of Romania, where multiculturalism and multilanguage are very characteristic. After we won the First Prize at Golden Stag (Cerbul de Aur), a famous international festival, in 2004 with my band Slang, I moved to Bucharest for 15 years. There, I met and worked with most of the top Romanian musicians. With Slang and Luiza Zan, we had numerous concerts in Europe’s different cities like Budapest, Lijubjana, Heidelberg, Bruxelle, and many others. With Urma we had a tour for our last album “Lost End Found” in big European cities like London, Berlin, Budapest, Paris, and many more, but we also had a full house at Romanian Sala Palatului, Atheneul Roman, and Cinema Patria. Is jazz an “international” genre of music? Of course jazz is an “international” genre of music! And even more so today. Before, it was American music, but today it’s a kind of world music, with all kinds of international cultural influences, which gives the music a more interesting sound generally – but even more so for jazz. Which is your favorite country or city? I don’t have favorite places – I love all the places I have already lived in or visited because each place has a special energy and character, formed by its history and the people living there. Which language do you sing in? In a musical language, absolutely. As Berthold Auerbach says, “Music is the only versal language which needs no translation”. And this sends us back to one of your first questions here regarding my musical style: it does not actually matter what style you play, it can be traditional, folk, rock, jazz, electronic, afro, metal, techno, and many more. The author of music is like a writer, and the interpreter is like an actor, who reads a poem or prose. He actually counts for more because it’s all about the transmission of emotions, energies, and messages. Technically speaking, we usually sing in English because we play all around the world, and we need

a text-communicating language that everybody understands. Also, sometimes the English poetry in music is more complex than in other languages, probably because we use it so often that it comes more naturally, and we have evolved much in this direction. I’m not saying that other nation’s poems are not good, but for music, I think the best fit nowadays is the English language. What are your favorite jazz and non-jazz tunes? Very hard question… I’ll try to be very simple and choose the first song that comes to my mind. Non-jazz: Bill Whiters – Lovely Day Jazz: Stark Reality – Dreams (‘69) Who most inspires you? Over time, I have been inspired and influenced by many. I remember very well in my childhood – I was listening to my parents’ records and found a musical treasure at that moment. So, let me give you just a few names: Miles Davis, E.W.F., Meshell Ndegeocello, Pat Metheny, Dave Brubeck, and of course Michael Jackson (everybody’s favorite) … and many others. Who would you most like to collaborate with? I love to work with everyone who has skills, ideas, and humility for music! I am lucky by default in choosing the artists and projects I play and collaborate with because I still love everyone I have ever collaborated with. Each person is different, with a different take on musical styles, and a different character and soul. During my career, I have shared the same stage with Pink, Natalia Imbruglia, Pink Martini, Faithless, and many other famous artists. What would you do if you weren’t a musician? Another hard question… Right now, I cannot imagine my life without music, but, of course, we all have plenty of other dreams. At a young age, I was interested in sports, race cars, horses, but also film directing for example… the things that young guys usually dream about. What do you do in your free time? Thinking about what I will do when I get busy again. No, seriously, there’s no free time in the life of an artist – you get distracted by ideas all the time. The only free time I have is actually the moments when we are on a holiday trip with my family – my wife and daughter. In that moment, the only thing that matters is the place we are at, the culture, the gastronomy, and everything that makes it unique and special.

INT ER VI E W W I TH H.E. MR. K E V I N P E T E R, AMB A S SA D O R O F NIG ERIA

Nigeria is a vast, colorful mosaic Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

The name Nigeria is taken from the Niger river, running through the country. It is the world’s sixth most populous country, with over 230 million people who speak over 500 languages. The country was a founding member of the African Union, and, with the largest economy on the continent, clearly represents an influential player. “The cordial relations between Czechia and Nigeria have existed since 1960. Serving as an ambassador of my home country is a great honor, which I happily accepted,” says H.E. Mr. Kevin Peter, Ambassador of Nigeria.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, please? My name is Kevin Peter, I am 62 years old, and I come from Adamawa State, Nigeria. I am married, with six children. In my over 30-year long career in the public service I have had the experience of working both in elective and political appointment capacities, such as an executive chairman of Mubi-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State (twice), director of finance at the E.Y.N. headquarters, a chairman of the screening committee for the National Assembly party primaries in Ogun State, a special adviser to the Governor of Adamawa State (twice), and many more. How did you become the Ambassador of your country? As you may know, Ambassadors are appointed by the head of state. In Nigeria, just like anywhere else, to be considered to become an Ambassador is a great honor. Even as a noncareer diplomat, you are willing to accept this challenge in order to be able to represent your country on such a big scale. It was not my choice, but it was the highest honor, which I happily accepted. You have already been in the Czech Republic for two years. Can you share some of your impressions? Of course, in comparison with Nigeria (and Africa in general), both cultures are totally different. However, because of the nature of my previous work, being able to work closely with many Europeans, I was not as surprised. I can say that I was rather glad to discover new things every

day. First impressions might have been the comparison in size, getting to know a smaller country and nation, the infrastructure, the architecture, and of course the people. What do you find the most difficult part of diplomatic work? Finding a healthy balance between your own personal opinions on certain topics and the must of being a diplomat in order to represent your country. And, of course, being away from your own home for the period of the mission. Actively seeking ways to benefit your own country and constantly being aware of what is going on around you at every level, professional and personal, may also be quite demanding. How do you spend your free time? The representative role of an Ambassador often requires nights and weekends from you, when you are expected to attend certain functions. Time is often really limited, so I always try to concentrate on my family the most, whenever I am free. As you already mentioned, the cultures of our two countries are very different. Can you tell us a bit about Nigeria? My homeland Nigeria is the world‘s sixth most populous country, with over 230 million people. It is a federal republic, comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Abuja as the capital. The most important thing is

I NTER VIE W W ITH H.E. MR. K E VIN P E TER, AMBA S S A D O R O F N IGE R IA

H.E. Mr. Kevin Peter, Ambassador of Nigeria

34 The ambassador with his family

that everything in my country is connected through tribal roots. Together, these roots create a vast colorful mosaic of different backgrounds with peculiar details. Our main goal, like every other nation, is to search for stability and prosperity. We gained independence from Britain in 1960, and, apart from the above-mentioned tribal roots, we are also divided into political, ethnic, and religious groups. It is important to say, however, that we are still united as one nation. Nigeria is known as one of the biggest exporters of oil and natural gas. Will you give us some more insight in this respect? Amongst industrialized nations, oil represents a very important energy source. I believe the oil in Nigeria was first discovered in 1956, and later in 1977 the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was founded. Nowadays, Nigeria is the number-one oil producer in Africa, and this creates almost 90% of our export value. All these aspects play a significant role in the overall economy of our country. Do you promote your country to attract more visitors from Czechia? Nigeria is not a typical holiday destination for Czech people, but the potential has been really growing in recent years. Our country has many things to offer as a holiday destination, anything from rich culture and beautiful

landscapes to exotic wildlife. Nigeria symbolizes the energy of the rich African culture. Personally, I believe you can always promote your country with cultural things such as typical Nigerian food, served with love. What is the current status of Czechia-Nigeria relations? The current status of these relations is nothing but excellent at this very moment. These cordial relations have existed between our two countries since 1960. We very much appreciate the close cooperation in the areas of defense and security, especially between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Czech defense industry. There is also a great cooperation in science research, agricultural infrastructure, human resource development, and technology transfer. The most recent success is the establishment of the Czech Republic-Federal Republic of Nigeria Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. What are you wishing for your country? And for the Czech Republic? With all my heart, I would like to use this medium to wish our beautiful countries everlasting peace and prosperity, as well as a deeper and stronger bilateral cooperation.

Three “Czech Lanterns” will define a new airport boulevard and welcome visitors Text: M. Zisso; Photo: MVRDV archive

Václav Havel Airport Prague (formerly Prague Ruzyně International Airport) is the international airport of Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital and biggest city. The airport was founded in 1937, when it replaced the Kbely Airport. Prague Airport offers flights to over 150 destinations, with 65 different airlines. Before COVID-19, the number of passengers traveling through the airport was around 18 million. Nowadays, however, with the number of tourists to the Czech Republic being higher than it was in 2019, the management of Václav Havel Airport has decided on a flexible extension. MVRDV and NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants) have won the competition to design three new buildings at Václav Havel Airport Prague, via a competition organized by CCEA MOBA on behalf of Prague Airport. The design extends Terminal 1 of the airport with new buildings for a central security facility of the airport’s security area, business and VIP lounges, and a vertiport. On the other side of the airport loop road, another building will contain a hotel, conference center, and parking facilities. These sustainable, hybrid structures offer the airport a great deal of flexibility to accommodate any future expansion or rearrangement easily. Meanwhile, the exteriors are ‘draped’ with an illuminated, programmable satellite image of the Czech Republic to form three “Czech Lanterns” that define a new airport boulevard and welcome visitors from afar. Together, the three buildings will be the first elements of the airport that passengers see upon arrival, whether they are landing by plane, or traveling to the airport by car, taxi, or bus. The additions to Terminal 1 itself extend the existing departures hall eastward in two phases, with the first hosting additional passenger handling areas such as the security screening.

A table-like, hybrid structural approach based on four supporting cores and large uninterrupted spans forms the flexible base for the new buildings. Concrete and steel are necessary for parts of the structure, while glued laminated timber joists support lightweight hollow concrete floors to reduce the structure’s embodied carbon. With frontages onto both the airport loop and the airfield, the two airport terminal expansion buildings are designed to be as transparent as possible, allowing direct views through the building to the other side. Courtyards between the buildings are densely planted with local species of vegetation, giving the appearance of a thick forest on each side of the security area. In the first phase, the security process is designed to be seamless: the vertiport access, as well as business and VIP lounges, are located on the first floor, allowing there to be no level changes or opaque barriers in the security area. This means that the travelers’ goal – the airfield – is always visible. Combined with the view of nature on either side of the building, this helps to minimize the stress of travelers’ journey through the airport.

The second phase building is proposed as a ‘twin’ to the security expansion, with a similar size and the same structural principle. The design team reasoned that this building’s direct frontage onto the airfield would prove to be extremely valuable in the future as the airport continues to expand. With a simple and flexible layout, this building area could be easily transformed into a part of the airport’s handling areas in the future, avoiding a costly and unsustainable reconstruction process.

The buildings are ‘draped’ in a green satellite image of the Czech Republic, visible on both the roof and the ceiling of the interior. On the exterior, this printed glass incorporates photovoltaics to generate a portion of the energy used by the building. It also incorporates programmable lighting elements that allow the building to communicate information about various current events around the country. In addition to providing the buildings’ characteristic appearance, this printed glass also makes the project more sustainable by reducing solar irradiation at strategic points.

On the other side of the airport boulevard, the third building in the proposal hosts a conference venue and hotel atop a parking structure. Taking advantage of the wedge-shaped site, the design incorporates a grand, five-story entrance lobby at its front corner that welcomes visitors driving towards the airport. Like the two airport expansion buildings, it is draped in a satellite image of the country, a portion of which features prominently on the lobby wall. As in the other buildings, flexibility is key to the design to accommodate potential changes in the program over time.

Gideon Maasland

Winy Mass

“Most airport experiences these days have become detached from any sense of place, or any sense of control for the traveler”, says MVRDV founding partner Winy Maas. “At Prague, this will soon be different. As you pass through security you will feel surrounded by the greenness of the Czech landscape – in the ceiling, which shows its green landscapes, and in the courtyards nearby, which host plants that are recognizable from the Czech biotope. The experience will give a sense of calm and control… a moment to feel grounded, just before you take off. Coming back to the Czech Republic gives a sense of return, with the three Czech Lanterns guiding you home from afar.”

Facts Project Name: The Czech Lanterns Location: Prague, Czech Republic Year: 2023– Client: Prague Airport Size and Programme: 83,000m2 Airport terminal extension + Conference centre/Hotel/Parking building Sustainability certification: 3+ Airport carbon accreditation program Credits Architect: MVRDV + NACO (Netherlands Airport

Consultants) Founding Partner in charge: Winy Maas Director: Gideon Maasland Design Team: Gijs Rikken, Gustavo van Staveren, Daniele Dalbosco, and Mercedes Andrades Strategy and Development: Jesper Ewoldt, Alex Rodriquez Copyright: MVRDV Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries Partners Co-architect: NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants) Visualisations: © Atchain

“This is a unique project, one which we are very proud to be part of” added Esther Kromhout, Director at NACO. “Underpinned by the principles of sustainability and building for the future, we’re also embracing unique design elements, that will make for a very immersive, exciting experience as passengers pass through the airport. We look forward to working closely with MVRDV and local partners to design a beautiful yet resilient extension to the airport.”

According to Jiří Kraus, Vice-chairman of the board of directors of Václav Havel airport, “working with a globally active architecture studio represents a promise to build world-class architecture with a contemporary approach and a strong emphasis on sustainability and adequacy.” He says: “We are very happy that the competition attracted extraordinary interest among architects, including foreign ones. The object of Terminal 1 centralized with the development solution for the Terminal 2 expansion, will become the cornerstone of a large-scale mosaic of a strategically important project, completing the capacity-building process for the terminal and raising the airport to a new level of competitiveness and resilience in the future.”

INT ER VI E W W I TH V Í T Ě Z S LAV H AV LI Š, S A LE S D I R EC TO R O F CA NA D IA N MED ICA L

Investment and modernization – that is our strategy Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Canadian Medical is the first-choice healthcare provider of many foreigners living in Czechia, and the biggest provider of medical services for employers in the country. According to the network’s Sales Director, Vítězslav Havliš, “the key to success is above all investment in modern treatment that results in the satisfaction of our clients.”

I N T E R V I E W WITH VÍTĚZS L AV HAVL IŠ, S A L ES D IREC TO R O F CA NA D IA N ME DICAL

Canadian Medical was established three decades ago, and has been appreciated by your clients ever since. Where does this success come from? Our success is based on client satisfaction. That’s why we are proud of the modernization of our clinics and health centers, in which we continuously invest. We replaced a number of devices with new and better ones. We are also modernizing the interior of our clinics, so that our clients feel as comfortable as possible. Thanks to this strategy, we were able to significantly expand our portfolio of services both last year and this year. Does expanding your portfolio of services mean that you can offer new treatments now?

Yes, that’s exactly what I meant. At the Waltrovka Clinic, for example, gynecological care was expanded to include a specialized colposcopy clinic. As part of one-day surgery, we now also offer new treatments in the fields of gynecology and obstetrics. New procedures were also introduced in the fields of orthopedics, urology, angiology, vascular surgery, and general and pediatric surgery. Another example is the Park Clinic in Prague 11. Since March 2023, it has offered the option of performing a lumbar puncture (removal of cerebrospinal fluid) using an atraumatic needle. Thanks to this, clients do not have to make hospital appointments, and they can go home immediately after the procedure.

INT ER VI E W W I TH V Í T Ě Z S LAV H AV LI Š, S A LE S D I R EC TO R O F CA NA D IA N MED ICA L

This year, you have also opened a brand new dermacenter in Prague 4. What do you help clients with there? The opening of a new dermacenter within the Pankrác House Clinic this year was yet another significant milestone in our development. Here, we can offer our clients comprehensive and above-standard care – from prevention to treatment of skin and venereal diseases. Among other things, here you will find a consultation room for pigmentation nevi, as well as cosmetology consulting. Our team of doctors also focuses on corrective dermatology, dermatosurgical procedures, and treatment with CO2 laser. In the dermacenter, we also perform chemical peeling, injection liposis, and mesotherapy. The environment of the center corresponds to this, and is pleasant towards clients, with a sensitive approach and discretion. It is great that you mention a sensitive approach towards your clients. How do you develop this aspect of your services? Communication between clients and doctors is crucial. Future healthcare success is not only about modernizing devices – we are convinced that the future of Czech healthcare should also lie in the globalization of care. At Canadian Medical, we have a large group of international clients, and all of our employees who interact with clients are fluent in at least one of the world languages. In addition to ease of access, we are also committed to ensuring that our clients are in constant contact with their doctors, and that the different specializations work together smoothly, especially for complex diagnoses. In both cases, telemedicine technology is the ideal tool.

To improve communication with your clients, you have also designed a special application. How does it work? The implementation of modern digital procedures is on the rise, and brings visible results in all different walks of life. Our myCANADIAN health client platform won 3rd place in the prestigious Internet Effectiveness Awards 2022 competition last year, in the Mobile Applications category. During COVID-19, we already saw an increased interest in more accessible doctor consultations. So, in an effort to reach out to our clients, as well as doctors, we created the myCANADIAN app. It gives our clients easy access to contacts in the office, and, above all, the possibility to arrange a remote consultation. The app also allows clients with a membership programme to book appointments online, and to connect with a doctor at any time, 24 hours a day. Many clients also appreciate the ability to save e-prescriptions directly in the app, including refreshing them, or to browse their medical records from completed examinations. What are your plans for the future? Simply said, to continue the current trend. The first priority will be the client’s comfort. The key pillars on which we build are above-standard care and flexibility. Each of our doctors has a personal approach to the patient, and tries to plan every single visit with them according to individual possibilities. In the coming months, we would like to continue the introduction of the most modern devices into our practices, as well as the expansion of specialized workplaces within clinics.

I N T E R V I E W WITH VÍTĚZS L AV HAVL IŠ, S A L ES D IREC TO R O F CA NA D IA N ME DICAL

The history of Canadian Medical dates back to the mid-1990s, when a small clinic was established in Prague by Canadian doctors, with the purpose of providing medical care to foreigners living in Prague at the standard to which they were accustomed in Canada and the United States. After merging with the Czech healthcare group EUC, Canadian Medical became the biggest network of premium clinics in the Czech Republic. Today, the company provides care in seven locations in Prague and Brno, offers more than forty specializations to clients, and has expanded its range with the addition of an inpatient department. The company offers its clients membership programs, for which you must be insured with a Czech health insurance company, or have Exclusive or Diamond health insurance for foreigners from Pojišťovna VZP. Another possibility is to be treated based on your foreign insurance, or on a private-payer basis.

Vítězslav Havliš is a Sales Director of Canadian Medical, a premium healthcare provider network. He is responsible for strategic development and sales support, and leads the entire sales department team. Since 2007, he worked in the insurance and investment sector (Česká pojišťovna, Generali pojišťovna, Pioneer Investments). He also held the position of director of external distribution channels at Allianz pojišťovna, where he was responsible for the team of the largest brokers (life and non-life insurance) for retail. He is 46 years old, and graduated from the Faculty of Social and Economic Studies at the University of J. E. Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem. His interests include Media, IT technology, and sports.

INT ER VI E W W I TH J A N Č I Ž I N S K Ý, MAYO R O F P R AG UE 7

We decided to “GO FULL TIME” for a real change Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Jan Čižinský will soon be able to celebrate a remarkable 10 years in office, as he has been serving as the Mayor of Prague 7 district since 2014. The level of his popularity among fellow citizens is clearly illustrated in the results of the two subsequent elections – in 2018 and 2022 – when his PRAHA SOBĚ association of independent candidates won an absolute majority of votes in Prague 7. “We could no longer watch how our predecessors conducted things here. As citizens, we managed to achieve something, but it was not enough for a real change. That’s why we decided to “go full time”, he explains.

Your name is very well-known in Prague; however, can you introduce yourself to our readers? I grew up in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. I am a teacher by profession, an active politician, and a proud father of four daughters. It is important for me that I deliver what I promise. Instead of saying ‘maybe, if, and but’ I prefer practising a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Should I name a personality who brings great inspiration to me, it would definitely be Přemysl Pitter, a Czech evangelical preacher – this is because, among other things, he was always on the side of humanity. Can you go back to 2014 and tell us how you were elected the Mayor of Prague 7 for the first time? I entered public life with other people who could no longer watch how our predecessors from ODS conducted things here. We were actively involved in events in Prague 7 long before the elections in 2014. Our biggest action was certainly the successful referendum against the overpriced CZK 1.5billion city hall. We also uncovered some cases of the former management, such as favouritism for friends or family members when dealing with municipal apartments. Together with other parents, we were also upset that up to 60% of the children did not get into kindergartens at the time, and the management claimed that nothing could be done about it. In addition, everything was decided very nontransparently behind closed doors. There weren’t even online broadcasts of council meetings – we somewhat pirated them to the public. As citizens, we managed to achieve something, but it was not enough for real change. That’s why we decided to “go full time“. And the citizens repeatedly confirmed to us in the elections that it was worth it. As a member of the PRAHA SOBĚ association of independent candidates, why are you missing in the current coalition?

The post-election negotiations on who will govern the capital after the municipal elections in 2022 were the longest in the modern history of Prague municipality. Cooperation was offered on the basis of the former coalition (PRAHA SOBĚ, Pirates, STAN, Spojené síly) together with the victorious ODS, in the new coalition group SPOLU. However, the SPOLU refused to include PRAHA SOBĚ because they knew that our work for the people of Prague would complicate their plans. So, we entered into a so-called Stability Alliance with the Pirates to make it clear that our goal is to continue the set trends in the management of the city, and to continue the projects from the last term. Unfortunately, after some time the Pirates terminated the Stability Alliance treaty, and let SPOLU convince them to conclude a coalition without our presence. What are the duties of the district’s mayor? The range of the mayor’s duties set by the law is quite wide. He represents and acts on behalf of the city district, runs the sessions of both the city district council and the assembly meetings, signs contracts and other legal documents, and supervises the performance of tasks and the overall operation of the local government. In addition, my competencies in the Municipal Council of Prague 7 include communication with the public, foreign relations, and public order and security. Together with my colleagues, we try to solve all the everyday problems of our citizens. We listen to people: what bothers them, what they would like to change, and how they see the future of the neighbourhood where we all live, work, and spend our free time together. It is time-consuming, but we are the employees of our citizens, and we need to work for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If we didn’t make time for people, it wouldn’t make sense.

INTER VIE W W ITH JA N ČIŽINS KÝ, MAYO R O F P RAGUE 7

M r. Jan Čižinský, Mayor of Prague 7 with family

You have been acting as Mayor of Prague 7 for over nine years. Can you share some of your highlights? As I have already mentioned, we had a number of big tasks ahead of us that we had to master, all while learning about the management of the municipal district as we went along. And there sure was no lack of things to learn. Those were hectic times, but when I look back today I am glad to see the results behind us. In 2020, Prague 7 got its own representative seat for the first time in 135 years of its existence, and currently all children who are entitled to it are repeatedly admitted to kindergartens and schools. Street cleaning has also improved, and is now provided by our company, which also functions as a social enterprise. Our city district is friendly, solidary, and open, and will not leave anyone without help. We managed to regain the trust of our citizens in the public administration, and I am really proud of that. What are some of the most persistent tasks that still need to be solved in Prague 7, and maybe in the entire city? The biggest long-term problem in Prague 7 and throughout the entirety of Prague is traffic and parking. The number of cars in the capital is increasing every year, and it is often difficult to balance how much public space to devote to the vehicles, and where, on the other hand, it is necessary to ensure a safer space for pedestrians. We also have to find ways to achieve smoother public transport, build infrastructure for cyclists, and plant new trees. There are no simple answers to these questions, as we have to respect

the different needs of, for example, a regular car user, an elderly person, and a mother with kids. We strive to ensure that all Prague residents can move around the city comfortably and safely, but finding compromises is often very difficult. What are the main current challenges for you and your colleagues? We are planning the construction of a new elementary school for 600 kids, as well as a municipal residential house with 60 apartments. We organized an open international architectural competition for these buildings, as well as for our new town hall, which was not a well-established tradition in Prague. Such large projects are always a real challenge, but, in the case of the town hall, we have already proved that public buildings could also be successfully realised according to the project, based on the outcome of the architectural competition. A mayor’s job comes with lots of criticism. How do you handle that? We, at our town hall, take criticism as part of our work. We try to stay in touch with the public, and we are always interested in feedback. Problems we know about are much better solved than those we are not aware of. What are your plans for the next few years? We will continue to expand capacities in our kindergartens. It is very important to provide enough places so that the parents who need to work do not have to stay home with

INTER VIE W W ITH JA N ČIŽINS KÝ, MAYO R O F P RAGUE 7

their children, especially in these financially demanding times. There is one important project currently underway – the modernization of the train route to Kladno, with the link to the airport. In connection with this large and demanding construction, we are preparing follow-up modifications of the affected locations, with new pedestrian links to Stromovka and the emerging train station. We are also very much looking forward to a new link between upper and lower Holešovice for pedestrians and cyclists. We will continue to improve the public space so that the streets and other places in Prague 7 are welcoming, safe, and easily accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. We would like to develop a wide range of services for seniors, disabled people, and those who take care of their loved ones. Families with children will certainly be happy with the new park U Vody, which is being created as a site for sports and leisure activities by the river. We shouldn’t forget that Prague 7 has a lot to offer, not only to its locals but to its visitors as well… Although I may be biased in this regard, I definitely consider Prague 7 the most beautiful part of the capital. And yes, there are many “must-see” places for both tourists and locals. I can mention the very popular parks – Stromovka and Letenské sady – with unique views of Prague, the green

M r. Jan Čižinský, Mayor of Prague 7

paths to Troja Chateau and the Zoo, two national museums, and numerous galleries, including the big and well-known ones, like DOX and National Gallery, but also the smaller ones with a distinctive atmosphere. That’s why we run the Art District 7 project here, which is focused on the natural development of the local cultural environment, as well as the creation of suitable conditions for Prague 7 to be able to fulfil the role of the cultural center of Prague. Finally, I’d like to say that we have a very important anniversary next year: Prague 7 will celebrate 140 years in the autumn. We are planning a number of cultural, social, and commemorative events throughout the year, including the publication of a book on our district’s history, an honorary citizenship ceremony, and other events to commemorate this important jubilee. Will people remember you as a competent mayor after all these years in service? I really don’t know what people will say about me years from now. I will be happy if they say that they live in one of the best neighbourhoods in Prague, and that they enjoy living here. In that case, my mission at the Prague 7 town hall will have been successful, regardless of whether people still remember some Čižinský or not.

100-year anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye

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

On the occasion of the 100-year anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, along with Mrs. Beyhan N. Bagis, held a reception at the Rudolfinum in Prague. The evening started with the national anthems of Türkiye and the Czech Republic. Then, the Turkish Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, greeted the guests. Here are selected excerpts of Ambassador´s speech at the event.

Since the national day celebration dates are back-to-back for our two nations, I would like to start by extending our sincere congratulations to our ally the Czech Republic and the friendly people of Czechia, on the occasion of the Czech National Day of October 28.

“Dear Foreign Minister Lipavský, Dear Mr. President Klaus, Dear Prime Ministers Babiš, Nečas, and Topolánek, Excellencies, Representatives of the Diplomatic Missions in Prague, Deputy Ministers, Members of the Czech Parliament and Senate, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, as the Easternmost European, and the Westernmost Asian country, Türkiye promotes sustainable peace and development in her region and she is a driving force for all surrounding basins utilizing deep-rooted traditions of diplomacy with the country’s strength stemming from factors such as the central geographical location, rich historical experience, robust institutions, strong human resources, and a dynamic economy.

We are delighted to be here in the Rudolfinum with all our distinguished guests to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye and we express our deepest gratitude to all of you for being with us to share this very proud day.

At the centennial anniversary of our Republic, we are proud to say that achievement of our goals set by our leaders since and including our founder Atatürk raised the standards of

F rom right: H.E. Mr. Bijan Joseph Sabet, Ambassador of the USA and his spouse; Mrs. Beyhan N. Bagis and H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey; and guests

H .E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey; Mrs. Beyhan N. Bagis; and H.E. Mr. Fredrik Jörgensen, Ambassador of Sweden with his spouse

F rom right: H.E. Mr. Eduardo Menez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines; H.E. Mr. Belkacem Zeghmati, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; and H.E. Mr. Hideo Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan

r. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of CR; Mrs. Beyhan N. M Bagis; and H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey

peace and prosperity for our nation. In this respect Türkiye continues to contribute to peace, prosperity, and stability all around the world. Guided by the enduring objectives of our founder to achieve “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” we strive to implement an “Enterprising and Humanitarian Foreign Policy”.

efforts addressing multiple challenges of the world including mass migration, energy and food security as well as the fight against terrorism.

Within this policy framework as our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan always emphasizes, Türkiye actively contributes to all

Concerning the regional clashes that we are facing today, particularly the recent ones in Ukraine and Gazza, we believe that the solution to these challenges depends on collective efforts forged by cooperation and effective multilateralism. We believe in dialogue and constantly work for diplomatic solutions based on the principle of win-win. Besides our common values like democracy and human rights that we share with our host country and longtime NATO ally Czechia, free market economy and bilateral trade always play an important role. We have already reached the volume of 5 billion US dollars last year with room for further growth. As we have almost doubled our trade over the last four years during my tenure, it is now time to set a new target that will further anchor our strong bilateral ties.

F rom right: Mr. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of CR; Mrs. Beyhan N. Bagis; and H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey

.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey; Mrs. Beyhan N. H Bagis; President Václav Klaus; and Livia Klausová

51 T he national anthems by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Ensemble and Prague Conservatory String Quartet

F rom right: Mr. Cem Tekin, Military Attaché Colonel; his wife Ms. Ceyda Tekin; Commercial Counsellor Ms. Berat Demirci Cörüt and her husband Mr. Soner Cörüt; Mr. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of CR; Mrs. Beyhan N. Bagis; and H.E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey

H .E. Mr. Egemen Bagis, Ambassador of Turkey and Mr. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of CR

Tonight, I would like to underline and thank once again for the strong support and solidarity of the Czech Republic extended after the devastating mega earthquakes in our country last February. Turkish people will never forget their support and all the members of the Czech Search and Rescue Team will remain as our heroes. We are honored their leader General Vlček and some of his brave colleagues could join us tonight. On the occasion of our centennial celebrations this year, we have tried to lead and complete many initiatives here in Prague and I am grateful to all our sponsors and volunteers for their support. Namely, PPF Holding, Yüce Auto, the distributor of Skoda automobiles in our country, the Czechoslovak Group, Yıldızlar Holding, and Skoda Transport have contributed wholeheartedly to our efforts. One of these initiatives is a book written by the former Chief Curator of Prague Castle, Prof. Jaroslav Sojka about the amazing history of our residence building which will

be published soon. This book will be a lasting tribute to the 100th anniversary of our Republic and the centennial anniversary of Turkish-Czech diplomatic relations in 2024. We are grateful to Prof. Sojka and his team. These celebrations are never easy to organize. For their contributions, I am grateful to my dear wife Beyhan and to our Embassy and residence team. Actually, my wife Beyhan and I met at a Republic Day celebration just like this one exactly 32 years ago in New York. I was again in a tuxedo. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Ensemble and Prague Conservatory String Quartet for their performances. Tonight, we will also have the opportunity to listen to the meaningful performances of three talented artists, Ms. Nora Lubbadová, Ms. Giulia Mazzoni, and Mr. Martin Rufer in our program. We thank every one of them in advance.”

I’m not saying goodbye, but na shledanou! A farewell message from the Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina, H. E. Roberto Salafia Edit: Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive

Dear friends in the Czech Republic, It is time to leave, the end of a cycle. For more than five years I have had the honor and fortune to represent my country in Prague, a great responsibility and a great challenge at the same time. In 2024 we will commemorate 100 years of diplomatic relations between Argentina and the former Czechoslovakia – a period that, despite its many turbulences, cemented friendship and dialogue between the two nations, and contributed to a migratory flow of Czechs and Moravians to my country that today encompasses more than seventy thousand descendants. With this background of strong ties, my great challenge as the Argentine representative has been to continue defining initiatives and materializing projects to expand and solidify the bilateral relationship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, and then the conflict against Ukraine, changed the international context, as well as the priorities for both countries and their surrounding regions. This scenario conditioned several of our projects, and forced us to be more creative. For this, the Argentine Embassy always had the support of our Czech friends, both in the public and private sectors, which allowed us to continue with our activities of political coordination, commercial promotion, bilateral cooperation in various sectors, and cultural dissemination. Much remains to be done in the construction of a shared and beneficial agenda for both countries, but we have the advantage of sharing common values, namely respect for human rights and political freedoms, support for democratic government regimes, as well as our commitment to international law, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In this context, Argentina and the Czech Republic, Latin America and Europe, should double their efforts to take full advantage of the natural complementarity on both sides of the Atlantic. From a personal point of view, I would need pages and pages to describe the pleasure of living in the Czech Republic – the „center“ of Europe, where a whirlwind of nature, history, traditions, and culture converge, which still amazes and excites me on a daily basis. My gratitude goes to all those who made these five years unforgettable: to my Czech friends who helped me connect with their society, to the Expats with whom I shared the adventure of living in Prague, to my colleagues in the diplomatic corps, with whom we shared the responsibility of representing our countries, and, last but not least, to the whole staff of my embassy, who were also my family during this period. Facing my departure, I will not say „Adios“ or „Goodbye“, but Na shledanou, as something of mine will always remain here... Roberto Salafia

O fficial welcoming ceremony at the First Courtyard of Prague Castle - President Petr Pavel and President Maia Sandu

Czechia welcomed the President of Moldova Text: H.E. Mr. Alexandru Codreanu, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova and Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive

The official visit of the President of the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Mrs. Maia Sandu, to the Czech Republic contributed significantly to the development of the bilateral political dialogue, and to the boost of cooperation in many other spheres. During the official visit to the Czech Republic on 15-17th October 2023, President Maia Sandu discussed the Moldovan-Czech partnership, as well as the process of the Republic of Moldova‘s accession to the European Union, with senior officials. President Sandu held meetings with President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil, and President of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová. The discussions focused on ways to develop bilateral relations, increase trade and Czech investments in the economy of the Republic of Moldova, and ongoing Czech development assistance projects.

In addition to bilateral relations, the interlocutors discussed the reforms carried out by the Moldovan authorities in order to modernize the country and speed up the initiation of EU accession negotiations. „Just as the Czech Republic sought to consolidate its progress when it joined the EU, so do we. European integration will strengthen our democratic and economic achievements“, said President Sandu during the joint press conference with her Czech counterpart. The official visit of the Head of State to the Czech Republic was complemented by a series of economic and cultural

Official meeting of President Maia Sandu and President Petr Pavel, accompanied by delegations, at Prague Castle

K eynote speech by H.E. Mrs. Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova at the opening plenary session of the “Forum 2000” international conference

56 resident Maia Sandu and President of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová P at the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

resident Maia Sandu and President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, accompanied by parliamentarians P at the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the Government of the Czech Republic

events dedicated to Moldova, a sort of ”Moldovan week in Prague”: the 5th meeting of the MoldovanCzech Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, a business forum with the participation of business representatives from both countries, the first ever participation of the National Theatre “Mihai Eminescu” at the Palm Off Fest international theatre festival, and the Moldovan fine art exhibition “TransAction” at Divadlo pod Palmovkou. In her speech at the business forum, President Sandu, together with President Pavel, invited Czech companies to consider investment opportunities in Moldova. Almost 50 enterprises with Czech capital are already active in Moldova, and contribute to the economic development of both countries. The Czech and Moldovan presidents also participated via keynote speeches at the opening of “Forum 2000”, an annual

international conference initiated by former Czech President Václav Havel. President Sandu conveyed two important messages: democracy must prevail, and countries fighting for freedom deserve all the support from other democracies. Highlighting the talented people originating from the Republic of Moldova, President Sandu decorated the first soloist of the Czech National Ballet, Mrs. Alina Nanu, with the honorary title „People‘s Artist“, as appreciation for her remarkable achievements. While in Prague, President Sandu also visited the headquarters of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, where she spoke with several journalists about freedom of expression, the challenges of the free press, and the democratic consolidation of the countries in our region.

INT ER VI E W W I TH A DAM J Í LE K , PA I N T E R A N D P R I NTMA KER

Painting totally ABSORBED ME Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Adam Jílek is a young talented Czech artist whose distinctive images will affect anyone with a little bit of perception. “I paint human characteristics embedded in an animal form, I take inspiration from all around me,” he says. “It is not always about light topics or positive human qualities. Animals are often seen as fragile, and untainted by negative human qualities such as resentment, evil, or envy. Through the animal, especially its face, I can convey these topics in a much more digestible form.”

We have briefly introduced you in the introduction to this interview. Can you add some more words for those who do not know you yet? For those who do not know me, I am a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. I paint realistic pictures, with the central motif of animals. I endow them with human qualities. It is a kind of satire, with a touch of humor and exaggeration.

What made you become an artist? To some extent, it was more of a coincidence, or perhaps fate. I’ve always enjoyed painting, but I never planned to do it more, or even make a living out of it. I played baseball at the top level, and when I was choosing a high school I chose an art school based on the light tuition, and also to have more time for sports. After starting, painting absorbed me, and my life changed almost 180 degrees. It was

a process before I „learned“ the various basics, crafts, and other procedures. But suddenly I started creating something that could be physically seen and had lasting value. And that consumed me. Creating is a basic human need, it gives a person meaning. You say that painting absorbed you. Have you had any other life adventures besides it? There were a lot of them, but I usually have the most intense experiences from traveling. I like to travel, and often enjoy exploring nature. I like the experience of a hike when I only have a backpack and an old phone, and I’m in the mountains for a week. One of the last intense experiences was in Iceland, when our car broke down and we had to walk several tens of kilometers to look for help in the nearest village. Or, a slightly worse moment (although thankfully with a good ending too), was when I was walking through the rocky valley and at one point a large part of the rock above me broke off and huge chunks of rock started to fall from it. I was stuck and scared, and the stones were falling everywhere and bounced off of each other. I was there alone. It only lasted a few minutes, but it felt like forever. That was probably one of the worst moments ever. It looks like your life really is full of experiences. Which would you say were most significant to you? As I said, I like to travel, explore nature, do recreational sports, and also visit historical monuments and interesting places – not only in the Czech Republic.

I really enjoy architecture and design. I keep collecting many experiences throughout my life. However, the most demanding one was the death of my professor at the university. It was very unexpected, and it hit me hard. It took me a while to process. This event also significantly influenced my further functioning at the university and in my work. You were born in Prague. What effect does that have on your work? I never thought about it, to be honest. But, probably due to the mindset and the fact that it is simply a bigger city, people are open to art. It is everywhere, in all spheres of life. There are also several art schools here. And, last but not least, there are contacts and opportunities here to present my work. Who are your biggest artistic influences? There are many artists (who have influenced me). I love and admire the old masters. I am fascinated by classical painting, which was created without all the possible technological conveniences of today. From the preparation process, through mixing colors and stretching the canvas, to the technique itself and the precision of the painting. As part of my studies, I changed several professors, and have tried different styles and techniques. This turbulent period of study was reflected in every phase of my work, including the current one. I was and still am close to Professor Zdeněk Beran.

From left: Pavlína Prokešová, CEO, RealLocate with Adam Jílek and Jaromír Šimek from JT Banka at “Art for sharing” charity art community

Where do you find your motivation? I wouldn’t be able to live without painting. I just enjoy the process – the peace of sitting down at the easel and being alone and painting. Since I paint human characteristics embedded in an animal form, I take inspiration from all around me – both from my personal experiences and my feelings about society (which is widely divided), and from the absurdities and senselessness of humanity, such as wars and similar events that have been repeating forever. It is not always about light topics or positive human qualities. Animals are often seen as fragile, and untainted by negative human qualities such as resentment, evil, or envy. Through the animal, especially its face, I can convey these topics in a much more digestible form, lightheartedly, often with humor and exaggeration. Thanks to this, the meaning remains somewhat hidden. It also lets me play with the double entendre. My goal is not to serve and impress upon the viewer my idea with which I painted the picture, but rather the opposite: I’m happy when everyone interprets the picture in their own way. When is your favorite time of day to create? I prefer to create in the evening, when there are no distractions. I love autumn and winter. It is dry and cold outside, while in the studio it is calm and warm. I play my favorite music and paint. We met at a social charity event. Is art important to society today? I think it is important, and very much so. Art captures the present, or at least the current social mood, of the time in which the artist lives. And although many times the current

generation does not appreciate it at the time, it is very valuable in retrospect to look at the given time through individual works. And you don’t always have to be able to read between the lines to understand what the author wanted to say with the work – through it, you can absorb the atmosphere of the given period, and the feelings of its author and society. It develops human imagination and fantasy. I cannot imagine life without music, literature, and visual arts. You created a fashion collection with Beata Rajská. Are you planning more collaborations in the future? Our collaboration came about completely by chance. Over time, we met at various social events until one day, while talking, we thought that we could come up with something together. Beata already had ideas for her new collection in her head. She had a certain idea, and I tried to portray it here. It succeeded, and you already know the result. I am very happy about that. I respect Beata, not only as an excellent designer but above all as a person. I don’t have anything similar planned yet, but I’m not opposed to further collaborations. I like it when I can go beyond the boundaries of classical painting – it gives my work a completely different dimension. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Professionally, I hope to keep creating. I can‘t imagine life without painting, it is everything to me. I would like to establish myself more abroad. I often think about the future, but I would not like to fixate on specific ideas and plans.

Dress design for Beata Rajská

INTER VI E W W I TH O N Ř E J GR O S, MAYO R O F P R AGUE 8

Prague 8 is simply my area Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Ondřej Gros was elected Mayor of Prague 8 municipal district five years ago. He was born here, went to kindergarten and primary school here, graduated from the grammar school here, and, as he says, “still wants to live here”. Among his most inspiring political figures he mentions the Teplice’s late Jaroslav Kubera, which corresponds with his belief that “the state should serve the people, not the people the state. Bureaucracy must be reduced, not increased”.

You became politically active long before being elected Mayor of Prague 8. What has your path been so far? I became politically involved in May 1997 by joining the ODS political party, for which I have been elected as a representative in Prague 8 six times since 1998. In the years 2010-2014, I became a deputy mayor, and in the following period of 2014-2018 I chaired the opposition club of the representatives of the ODS. In 2018, I was elected Mayor of Prague 8.

Do you feel inspired by your party colleagues and their ideas? I take my primary political inspiration from two historical greats of world politics: Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. And domestically from the Teplice phenomenon of Jaroslav Kubera, also an ODS member, who unfortunately passed away several years ago. I think he is greatly missed in our politics. Thanks to my conservative and right-wing background, I am convinced that the state should serve

Mayor Ondřej Gros presented the Mayor’s Award of Prague 8 Opera Pragensia to Mr. Serge Borenstein for the construction of Karlín

INTER VIE W W ITH O NŘE J G R O S, MAYO R O F P RAGUE 8

M r. Onřej Gros, Mayor of Prague 8

The only lighthouse on the Vltava, located on the Libeň island, has been helping for twelve years

the people, not the people the state. Bureaucracy must be reduced, not increased. And schools are supposed to teach children how to think, not what to think. Now, you are a mayor. How well do you know “your” Prague? I have a lifelong relationship with Prague 8, one of the largest urban areas of our capital: I was born here, went to kindergarten and primary school here, graduated from the Grammar School at Libeňský Castle, and I still want to live here. Prague 8 is simply my area. I have been involved in municipal politics for 25 years. I was deputy mayor for a term, and I have also experienced the role of being in opposition. I think that my experience was decisive for those colleagues, who supported my bid to become mayor.

What roles are performed by the mayor? It is only a slight exaggeration to say that the person sitting in the mayor’s chair is the one who “is to blame for everything”. At the same time, our system has also been set up so that the mayor is just one of the town councillors. Nevertheless, the roles are numerous, starting with that of a celebrant, through to the chairman of the town council or municipal board, and on to the social obligations – where the mayor officially represents the borough. How do you clear your head after being subjected to the excessive criticism? It isn’t always easy, but you can’t take the statements posted on social media too personally or think about them much. Doing that would not be good for anybody’s mental health. Luckily, I have a great family, and I owe a great deal of

gratitude to my wife and daughter. I also still play football actively in the legendary Hanspaul league, which gives me a chance to clear my head. That is, if we don’t lose too badly. Unfortunately, there is not much (free) time now, but I am trying to have hobbies. As I already said, I like sports. I like traveling, especially behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo, like I did to Nordkapp in Norway or the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, for example. And I am also interested in history. History helps me in my political work too. When studying history, we can find answers to our current questions and problems – not for nothing is it said that those who do not learn from their history are doomed to re-live it again. Can you share some of the impressions and experiences that you have collected during your five years of being mayor? I was elected Mayor of Prague 8 in 2018. The COVID-19 crisis and the associated never-ending state of emergency, when society was subjected to great anxiety and uncertainty, broke out after a year and a bit. And just as that nightmare ended, the Russian aggression in Ukraine arrived on the scene. It was associated with a wave of refugees, and an incredible rise in energy costs. In addition, we naturally also dealt with the “everyday” problems in the borough. It can be said that there hasn’t been a moment’s peace during the five years to date. But we definitely should manage everything together.

M r. Onřej Gros, Mayor of Prague 8

What are the “everyday” problems of Prague 8? The thing that troubles us most is the feeling of unsafety, especially in the environs of the metro stations. This problem is a never-ending struggle that can only be resolved through the development of the localities in question, and, of course, by also reinforcing the municipal police patrols. However, this cannot be achieved without cooperation from the leadership of the City of Prague. The second major problem in Prague is traffic, because we are sorely lacking ring-roads. However, this is also starting to be resolved thanks to Minister Kupka. Can you share some of the plans you as mayor have for the coming years? I don’t like making big plans because the term of office often ends before any long-term projects can be prepared. Then, they have to be completed by your successors. However, I will be pleased if people like living in Prague 8, we manage to build the new school on Rohan Island, security is improved, and Prague 8 becomes one of the greenest boroughs. Imagine four years from now – will people of Prague 8 say that you were effective as mayor? I guess I’ll find out at the next elections. I don’t know any other reliable way of ascertaining that. However, we still have three demanding years before us, and I haven’t yet decided if I intend to stand again.

INT ER VI E W W I TH Z D E N Ě K K U N E Š, N E E CO GR O U P

On a mission to build the biggest resort in Krkonoše Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

The Krkonoše is a mountain range packed with superlatives. They are the highest, have the only Alpine range in Czechia, and their flora and fauna are unbelievably diverse. It’s no wonder that they are also the most visited mountains in the country – for both the summer AND winter holidays. Many locations here are notoriously known as synonyms for holidaying in nature, such as Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou, and Černý Důl. And the latter is the home of Resort Aurum, owned and managed by Czech venture capital holding Neeco Group. Mr. Zdeněk Kuneš is one of the key managers making sure that this resort serves as a perfect year-round wellbeing spot for its guests.

Let’s start our talk about Aurum Resort by going back – why did Neeco Group decide to invest in Krkonoše resort? I believe that we had been considering the investment into the Krkonoše region for a couple of years, and when the offer

to acquire the original Hotel Aurum came, we found it to be a perfect match with our expectations. The hotel is located in the beautiful small mountain town of Černý Důl, in the picturesque part of the Eastern Krkonoše. We saw a great amount of development opportunities here.

67 Zdeněk Kuneš with a happy client of Aurum Resort

How long have you had a presence in these mountains? The first acquisition of Hotel Aurum was done back in 2019. In a relatively short time, we have projected a future expanded resort on paper, and added other properties and land in order to create a solid foundation for a future systematic and consistent resort development. That includes nearly one million square meters of land in Čistá, where the golf course was originally planned. Now, with the necessary space acquired, we are building a resort focused on holistic visitor experience, under the baton of Resort Aurum brand.

very beginning, as we feel there is a lack of similar offerings in the Czech mountains. Today, our guests want to receive a real, holistic, wellbeing-oriented experience. The main building itself offers a lot of fun, and, together with the mountains around and planned outdoor fitness features, I can say what we offer is exceptional. This is also our competitive advantage for the future, and the way to keep the resort full during both season and off-season periods. Furthermore, we are partnering with a lot of sports organizations to create a place for retreats and training camps, as well as sports events and contests.

What are your main areas of focus today? We are currently busy with an extremely exciting project: the reconstruction of the central Resort Aurum buildings. It features guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and extensive facilities such as entertainment, wellness, spa, fitness, cosmetic, and indoor pools. At the same time, we are renovating nearby exterior areas and / or building new ones, such as a multipurpose indoor sports hall. This project will be completed in the summer of 2024. With such extensive guest facilities, we are unique in the whole of Krkonoše.

We started by looking back, now let’s conclude by asking about the future. What is the next big thing for you in Resort Aurum? Again, I do not want to spoil the work of our marketing folks, however, to uncover a bit, we are finishing the last preparation steps to start the buildouts of some massive ecological projects located in the area, unparalleled within the entire Czech Republic. Use of renewable energy, organic farming, self-sufficiency, and carbon neutrality is the name of the game, so stay tuned for future announcements.

It seems like a lot of focus on sports and fitness. Yes, this is the direction we have decided to take from the

B ára Hošková, Founder of ForDogs rescue

Do you like dogs? Text: Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive

If you are like most Czech people, then you must love our best friends – dogs, of course. You can find our furry babies in almost every other household, and usually they live happily as full members of a family. For those who don’t, luckily there are still good people out there who give them hope to escape bad living conditions, and start a new life in a newlyfound loving home. This Christmas time, we have decided to introduce you to the ForDogs rescue, with the hope of supporting their efforts through people’s loving hearts and goodwill.

A shelter or rescue? If you are interested in supporting or adopting a dog from either a shelter or a rescue, you probably want to know the differences between the two. Or maybe you didn’t even know there was a difference. The words “shelter” and “rescue” might seem interchangeable, but they’re actually not. Both dog shelters and dog rescues do the same general thing – which is rescue dogs, and try to find them good permanent homes – so what is the difference? To find out, we asked Bára Hošková, the founder of the ForDogs rescue in Svárov, near Prague. “A shelter is funded by city or state tax money,” Bára told us. “It is the first stop for a dog that has been found as a stray. A rescue, on the other hand, is a nonprofit entity run by volunteers in their free time and funded by donations. Rescues like us will take dogs who typically are neglected or even abused by their owners, or those whose loving human parent has passed away

okay, we will order a neuter, and, if necessary, vaccinations. Everything is handled individually, according to the specific dog and their physical and mental condition. If any problems are detected, the dog undergoes further necessary examinations, and we proceed according to the veterinarians’ recommendations.” Of course, different dogs have different biological needs and characters. Therefore, in the ForDogs rescue, they strive to get to know each dog very well in order to be able to find the optimal doghousehold match every time. The rescued dogs are also being socialized and given some basic training here (like walking on a leash), before being offered up for adoption. Only when everything is alright, an ad is published, and new owners may start flocking.

uddy, in the rescue for almost four years before he found B a new home

The moment someone shows interest in a particular dog, they are invited to a non-binding personal visit where everything can be discussed. They may even take the dog for a walk, if possible. On their first visit,

and there is nobody to take care of them now. Quite regularly, we also accept pregnant dog moms who later give birth to several baby dogs in our rescue.” What such a dog’s journey looks like The ForDogs rescue helps dogs in need, who usually come here directly from their previous owners through a gift contract. Mostly, they are dogs from underprivileged families, whose owners were now deceased, or are semi-wild dogs from overgrown packs. The individual condition of the dog differs depending on where they come from. Many are fearful, unsocialized, full of fleas, and suffering from health problems. However, a dog may also end up here just because the owner realized they don’t have time for them. The ForDogs rescue thus becomes a temporary home for newborn puppies, young dogs, as well as old senior dogs. Everything here is organized with one final goal: find the dog a new loving home, and get them adopted. “The process from receiving a dog to their adoption varies in length, depending on the condition in which the dog arrives,” explains Bára Hošková. “Usually, if it is not acute, we let the dog lie down for a day or two, and then take them to the vet for an initial checkup: we have their blood taken, their heartbeat listened to, and their whole body checked. If everything is Olda, 4 years old, waiting for a new home

From left: Jed, Vincek, and J.T. playing in the rescue; Jed and Vincek are still waiting for their new homes

the potential new owners go home still without the dog, but full of impressions and information. They then have the space at home to think everything over with no rush, and make decisions based not only on emotions. If neither ForDogs nor the people interested find any problems, they will take the dog home with them on the next visit. However, this is not the end of the story for the rescue volunteers – they want to know how the adoptee is doing, if the new owners have any problems, and if ForDogs can help in any way. This year, they saw over 60 dogs off to their new homes, a total of approximately 500 dogs during their entire period of operation. How can you help? As we explained above, dog rescues like ForDogs are volunteer associations, where people work for free in their free time and have to secure the necessary funds themselves as well. They are not funded by the state. All of us who have ever had a dog ourselves can clearly imagine how expensive the care is – and here we are not talking about one healthy dog. “Our budget depends on the

number of dogs we receive during the year, and on their condition. The biggest expense is veterinary costs,” says Bára Hošková, and continues: “If the dog has no health problems, the average veterinary cost is about CZK 5,000 per dog. But if he has a medical problem, the amount can easily climb to tens of thousands per dog. Another big expense is the purchase of equipment to accommodate the dogs and increase their comfort. We must always think carefully about how many and what kind of dogs we can accept and take care of.” So, what can we, the public, do to ensure that every dog has a home? Be responsible. Think before getting a dog. Consider it a commitment for the next 15 years. Do not breed dogs. Don’t be afraid to adopt a rescue dog – they are often absolutely amazing dogs who were just unlucky in life. Last, but not least: most rescues like ForDogs are grateful for any material and financial aid, in any amount.

ForDogs is a dog rescue in Svárov, near Prague, founded in 2016, whose goal is to find new loving homes for dogs in need. It is run on a volunteer basis, with no funds from the state. You can contribute to their transparent bank account number 3500035000/2010. Heartful thanks from all the dogs! www.fordogs.cz

How to play the game of stained glass Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

Czech glass is a masterpiece, appreciated all around the world for hundreds of years. What happens in this field when an original artistic vision marries the technical reality? Let us appreciate together the 30-year-long success story of Jitka and Richard Kanta, artists and owners of Skloart – a unique Czech manufacturer of stained glass from the Karlovy Vary region.

A lfons Mucha

“Stained glass is a special kind of glass art. You can think of it as a game of small colorful glass pieces that are assembled into a variety of designs, reminiscent of a popular free-time activity – the puzzle,” say Jitka and Richard Kanta, artists and owners of the Skloart company.

was a painter from a deeply religious German family, and her painter friends and professors were really inspiring for young Jitka. In 1993, she first encountered stained glass – it was a huge impulse that led her to leave her current artwork, and become fully devoted to this field of art.

This old artisanship of fragile beauty has been a predominantly male affair since the very beginning. Although the colorful mosaic window fillings have appeared since antiquity, the largest development of classic stained glass was in relation to the construction of medieval cathedrals, churches, and monasteries. In the 19th century, smaller pieces’ techniques were developed that led to the production of design items and jewelry. That presented an opportunity for women, considering their finesse and imagination. In the 1960s, women finally fought their way into this art and crafts industry.

After marrying Richard Kanta, they started working together. Their first major work was a restoration of the stained glass in the Art Nouveau Elementary School in Louny. Richard is very technical, and has always, from the beginning, turned his wife’s artistic vision into technical reality.

At the top, among the many contemporary designers involved in this unique glass industry in the Czech Republic, is also a woman – Jitka Kantová (born Folprechtová). Born in Most, North Bohemia, her mother

Their family business is located in the historical town of Lubenec, on the way from Prague to Karlovy Vary. One of the latest masterpieces made in Lubenec was an excellent stained-glass work for the 700th anniversary of the birth of Charles IV. Visitors of the Kantas’ workshop can learn about the entire creation process. “If you don’t work on new ideas every day, and don’t put your soul into your craft, you won’t last long,” says Jitka Kantová. Besides window ornaments, the Kantas create other

T he team

original items as well. Their works can be found all around the world, and in galleries too, where you can admire their lamps, jewellery, vases, candlesticks, paintings, tiny hanging stained-glass Christmas decorations, and other artistic pieces. Jitka has a vision for the future: “We would mainly like to finish our ongoing projects in Lubenec, where we would create a place for people of goodwill to meet. This would be a place that will inspire the younger generation towards a new interesting direction, but also a place to rest and relax. Even today, there is a museum of stained glass, an unusual and beautiful nature trail, and a renovated lookout tower in our town. We would like to bring life back to this place, and make it a center of art, ideas, meetings, and creative thinking.” Source: the book by Ivan Černý and Jitka and Richard Kantovi, 30 let s vitráží

I cherish every moment I spent here A farewell message from the Ambassador of Vietnam, Thai Xuan Dung Edit: Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive

Dear readers, After three years of intensive work, my tour of assignment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Czech Republic is coming to an end. 76

During my above-mentioned tour of assignment, I have been received by the great hospitality of the Czech people, and impressed by the ancient scenery and beautiful, peaceful nature of the Czech Republic. I am glad that during my tour of assignment, the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic has developed positively in all fields – especially political diplomacy and bilateral trade and investment – bringing the traditional friendship of our two countries to a new stage of development. The determination and effort to bring the two countries‘ relations to a new height continue to be reaffirmed by the leaders of our two countries during the state visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Petr Fiala in April 2023. The Czech Republic has now considered Vietnam to be one of its most important partners in Southeast Asia, and the two sides have agreed to make every effort to bring our two countries’ trade turnover to 2.5 billion USD by 2025. Excellencies, colleagues, and friends, Being a diplomat for nearly forty years, I have had the chance to meet many people and experience life from a wide range of angles. Therefore, I am so grateful for the laughter, great discussion, and good times that we have shared together during the past few years. I cherish every moment that I spent here in the country, and I really look forward to many more to come. It has been my great pleasure working with you during the past several years. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for your support and cooperation, and convey to you all my best wishes of health, happiness, and further success in your noble tasks.

Best Thai Xuan Dung Ambassador of Vietnam

International Charity Festival traditionally at the Hilton Hotel Prague Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: archive

A unique charity event was organized by the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA) and supported by the First Lady, Mrs. Eva Pavlová. Its already 21st year was yet again a memorable moment of solidarity, where over 1 million CZK was collected, which will be distributed to Czech humanitarian and charitable organizations.

The numbers show the vast planning and organizing behind the festival: about 2,000 tickets were sold, and 600 people from all the different Embassies helped make this event function smoothly, which included 40 ambassadors, 50 volunteers, and 41 stalls. Over 1 million CZK was collected, which will be distributed to Czech humanitarian and charitable organizations. The Diplomatic Spouses Association will announce a public tender, and then decide together which projects they will support. The rich cultural program of the 21st year got the attention of all the guests, even with some spontaneous dance from the participants and the guests. The First Lady Mrs. Eva Pavlová, visited all the stalls in the market, speaking with the people there and getting a few presents, some of them very sentimental, like from the Kosovo Ambassador. It was a necklace made by women, who were raped during the war, as part of their healing treatments. We are looking forward to the next year´s 22nd International Charity Festival!

First Lady of the Czech Republic Mrs. Eva Pavlová (right) and Mrs. Carla Marsili, spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, and head of the Diplomatic Spouses Association

Artistic performances

F irst Lady Mrs. Eva Pavlová received a special and very sentimental present from the Kosovo Ambassador: a necklace made by women, who were raped during the war, as part of their healing treatments

Mrs. Carla Marsili, spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, and head of the Diplomatic Spouses Association, made a speech at the festival whose highlights we are bringing to you. “Good morning and welcome to everyone to the opening ceremony of the 21st International Charity Festival organized by the Diplomatic Spouses Association. First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Eva Pavlová for being here with us today. Special thanks also go to the ambassadors who supported us with embassies making this event happen. Many thanks to the Hilton Hotel and its staff who never failed to assist us with every need. Thanks to all the many sponsors who gave their precious support. They are so many that it is impossible to name them all. You can see their names on the monitors inside and outside the hall. Thanks to our volunteers, students from Drtinova School, SKOLAEUPRAHA, Faculty of Law at Charles University, and Park Lane International School, who are numerous today and who will make this day enjoyable for everyone. Thank you to the Litle Mole International preschool that takes care of the kids‘ corner. Thanks to all the members of the Committee for the excellent and restless work. Between the Committee Members, an absolutely special mention goes to Mrs. Svetlana Codreanu, spouse of the Ambassador of Moldova. Dear Mrs. Pavlová, your support was essential for all of us to put together so many stakeholders. Knowing that we had your support, made it clear to us that

our goal was to stay committed and work hard to be active to help those in need. This is an event that aims to raise funds to help several charities in the Czech Republic. In particular, we will be proud to donate a portion of the proceeds to the association NEDOKLUBKO whose work we had the opportunity to know thanks to Mrs. Pavlová. It is an association that helps to give hope to preterm infants and their mothers and families. What a joy if some of these children will be able to grow thanks to the small contribution we can collect today! This is a very special edition of the International Charity Festival: 1) Because it is back after four years of hiatus due to wellknown reasons. 2) Because it takes place in a very difficult moment in the international scene. 3) BUT I tell you that this festival is also very special because we, representing more the 50 countries, worked in total cooperation, friendship, and harmony. Each country, side by side in peace! What a joy if this could be a reality even out of these doors! For all these reasons this festival will be a wonderful one: we have the shows, music and dances, lots of any kind of items from all around the world... we are sure that it will be a success... and fun...and that we will rescue a lot of money for charity!! Thank you very much for coming! Now, let‘s go to officially open it!!”

82 USA

Serbia

Vietnam

Greece

Hungary

Chile

China

I ndia

I ndonesia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

Cyprus

Denmark

Finland

Georgia

Lebanon

Lithuania

Luxemburg

Malaysia

Moldova

Morocco

Israel

Japan

Kazahstan

K orea

K osovo

Kuwait

Slovenia

Spain

Thailand

Syria

The Netherlands

Tunisia

M yanmar

Peru

Phillippines

Poland

Romania

Slovakia

Ahoj, Nachbarn! Text: M. Zisso and Martina Hošková; Photo: Václav Pavlas

This year’s Czech-German cross-border campaign Ahoj Nachbarn! – Hallo sousede! was created thanks to the cooperation of the CzechTourism office in Berlin and the German Tourist Board office in Prague. Residents of both cities also joined in, often posting on social networks and giving their neighbors tips on what to visit in their home countries. To be good neighbors, we also decided to take a short weekend trip to Germany – enjoying the special German atmosphere.

German tourists are No. 1 in Czechia Germany has long held the 1st place in the number of foreign tourists visiting the Czech Republic. “A total of 178,891 Germans arrived at domestic hotels in August this year, which was 9% more than last year and even 13% more than in August 2019, before the Coronavirus pandemic. Among the foreigners who visited the Czech Republic, guests from Germany won an imaginary gold medal, they were the most,“ says František Reismüller, director of the Czech Tourism Center – CzechTourism. Natural monuments, gastronomy, castles, and sustainable travel. These were the themes of this year’s Czech-German cross-border campaign Ahoj Nachbarn! – Hallo sousede!, meaning ‘Hello neighbor!’ in the funny mix of respective languages. “We focused primarily on sustainable tourism. Cross-border travel concerns not only attractive border areas, but also other regions of both countries,“ says Jan Pohaněl, head of the German Tourist Office for the Czech Republic. To be good neighbors, we decided to take a short trip to Germany – a short weekend trip, enjoying the special German atmosphere.

Off to Ensdorf, we go! We loaded the car for a short trip with our two dogs, who are happy to travel around. After about three hours (256 km), we reached our first stop Salesians of Don Bosco’s Monastery in Ensdorf, Bavaria. It was a house of the Benedictine Order, dedicated to Saint James. The monastery was founded in 1121 by Pfalzgraf Otto of Wittelsbach. It was dissolved in 1556 but restored in 1669, only to be dissolved again in 1802 in the secularization of the period. The premises were taken over in 1920 by the Salesians of Don Bosco, who still occupy them. Today, they focus their offerings primarily on ensuring that young people’s lives are successful. The educational center is a popular destination, especially for school classes, “orientation days”, and school camp stays. Youth work groups, choirs, and music groups find a variety of opportunities to hold leisure activities, seminars, or rehearsal days here.

Our second stop - Ellwangen After two more hours of driving (180 km), we reached our next stop – walking through Ellwangen town center and having lunch.

We then visited Ellwangen Palace... In the 17th century, the castle was converted into a four-wing palace in the Renaissance style. Later, it was given a baroque interior design, with the installation of a representative staircase and ceiling paintings by the well-known fresco painter Christoph Thomas Scheffler. After secularization in 1802/03, the residence was, among other things, briefly an appanage palace for Napoleon’s brother Jerôme, King of Westphalia. In addition to impressive baroque nativity scenes with over 100 figures, the museum also houses a collection of the violin maker Benedict Wagner. A special feature of national importance is the faience and porcelain from the Schrezheim faience factory.

...and Schönenberg Pilgrimage Church.

Third time’s the charm - Sommerhausen Our third stop was at Sommerhausen, which required a bit over an hour’s drive (100 km) again. We checked-in at Hotel Ritter Jörg. Sommerhausen is a very small, beautiful, and picturesque town, with nice coffee bars and restaurants. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant. It is a family restaurant, and the owner is a woman from Italy, running the place with her family. The food was very delicious. New morning, new experience – Würzburg The next morning, after a very nice breakfast, we left for the big city nearby (14 km) – Würzburg – to visit the Würzburg Residence. The Würzburg Residence was built in its entirety, with short interruptions, almost within a single generation. The architects drew their inspiration from an area extending

from Vienna to Paris, and from Genoa and Venice to Amsterdam. The building embodies the attainments of Western architecture of its day, French château architecture, Viennese baroque, and the religious and secular architecture of northern Italy, and is a synthesis of the arts of astonishing universality. The Würzburg court architect, Balthasar Neumann, who was entrusted with the coordination of the massive building project, had to work not only with the leading architects of Germany and France – Lucas von Hildebrandt and Maximilian von Welsch, and Robert de Cotte and Germain Boffrand – but also with numerous artists such as the Italian Antonio Bossi, the „ornamentation genius“ of the Würzburg Residence, the gifted sculptors and woodcarvers Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera from Würzburg and Georg Adam Guthmann from Munich, and not least with Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the greatest fresco painter of the 18th century.

There is an interesting story behind the Tiepolo’s fresco ceiling. The Würzburg Residence was destroyed by the fire-bombing of that city by the Royal Air Force on March 16th, 1945. Balthazar Neuman’s cove vault—with Tiepolo’s frescoed ceiling—held up. Against all odds, it survived the bombing, the fire that followed, and the war. Lt. Skilton became a Monuments Specialist Officer in Europe, where he rescued works of art in France and Germany. US officer of the monuments and fine arts section Lt.John D. Skilton arrived in Würzburg after the bombing with the assignment of saving the Tiepolo frescoes over the Grand Staircase and in the Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal). It was almost a one-man work – “For several weeks, Skilton collected lumber to repair the roof. He eventually found a stash of logs near Ochsenfurt, which he floated down the Main River to Heidingsfeld. After personally financing a sawmill to cut the logs, Skilton supervised a team of German architects, engineers, and laborers who worked diligently to repair the roof before rain could destroy the magnificent ceiling. The project, begun under Skilton’s supervision in 1945, was not completed until 1987.”

A happy ending - Weiden in der Oberpfalz On the way back, we made a stop at Weiden in der Oberpfalz to visit Dehner Garten-Center and a stop for a nice lunch at Restaurant Pallas on Unterer Markt. Auf Wiedersehen, Deutschland!

More information: https://www.czechtourism.cz/cs-CZ/Novinky/Archiv/2023/11/Cesko-nemecka-kampan-Ahoj-Nachbarn!-Hallo-Sousede https://www.gav-ellwangen.de/schlossmuseum-ellwangen/ https://www.residenz-wuerzburg.de/englisch/residenz/index.htm https://aknextphase.com/john-davis-skilton-saved-tiepolo-ceilings/

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