On the Occasion of the National Day of the Czech Republic October 28, 2008
Our country is often said to be in the heart of Europe, and the Czech Republic does indeed lie from the geography point of view, in the center of the continent. Situated at the intersection of so many trade roads and historical and cultural influences the territory has naturally been the place of encounter of all kinds of national and ethnic groups.
For centuries not only armies from eastern and western powers, but traders, craftsmen, builders, architects, sculptors, musicians, writers, painters, scientists and scholars from The Orthodox East and The Latin West crossed paths in the territory of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Native born or newly arrived, they have all left their marks on the character and appearance of the country and exerted a great impact on the population. As the union of several historical lands (Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) in the heart of the European continent, our country of these days is the youngest form of the Czech state, existing for almost twelve hundred years.
Taking advantage of the defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, the Czechs and Slovaks regained their independence by proclamation of Czechoslovakia in October 1918 and the country quickly developed itself into a well functioning democracy. It was mainly our first president T. G. Masaryk, the outstanding figure of modern European liberal democracy, humanism and tolerance, who has had created basic foundations, on which the revived parliamentary democratic system of the new Czech Republic was rebuilt. Our citizens are convinced that those principles are of vital importance for the future existence of our national society. And thus, naturally, the Czech Republic is celebrating the anniversary of the foundation of former Czechoslovakia on October 28, as its foremost National Day.
These days our country is in full preparation for an enormous task that has no precedent in our history. In January of 2009, the Czech Republic will assume the responsibility of the Presidency of the European Union. We will do our utmost in order to uphold our shared commitment to world peace and prosperity. The European Union stands at the forefront of the efforts to strengthen capacity to deliver effective international responses to global challenges. Our country is fully committed to play its part and to further enhance its contribution by searching for other common responses.
The motto of the upcoming Czech Presidency “Europe without Barriers” reflects our desire to promote the removal of barriers not only within the European Union, but also between the Union and third countries. This could be, in our opinion, very much in line with the efforts to enhance cooperation and strengthen the principle of the effective multilateralism.
Nothing wrong to say that Czech citizens link EU membership with the vision of a strong and dynamic World with willingness to contribute their shares to real progress of building of a prosperous, competitive, open, socially just, environmentally responsible and democratic World of free and responsible inhabitants and collaborating regions and continents. That is why we believe in urgent need of an effective cooperation in the frame and platforms of the UN.
Our country is prepared to share common values and responsibility arising from the present international political and economic climate. During the course of its existence it witnessed creative encounters, mutual respect and cooperation among various cultures, various peoples, ethnic groups, spiritual currents and social movements but also confrontations, conflicts and disrespect among the nations and peoples. Having this own strong historic experience we see democracy as the only system that guaranties human rights, prosperity, civil and political liberties for everyone. That is why we are fully convinced that development, progress and modernization is possible only through transparent political and economic environment
We all face similar challenges to find our position and place in the modern world and new economic engagement. The Czech Republic with its Presidency of the European Union is restoring its former place within the world community. Is ready to be actively involved in the international political arena, to share full responsibility and determined to enhance useful exchanges with international community in the name of peaceful global environment. We are assured that the Kingdom of Thailand is no doubt on this common international platform.
Today, when Thailand is undergoing a certain period of inner political turbulence and a certain degree of domestic political instability, our international common interests and tasks still prevail. We traditionally appreciate and support the effort to address any political tension within the framework of universal democratic principles and through mutual negotiations. The greatest peak of development could be reached in stable and peaceful environment.
The Czech Republic and The Kingdom of Thailand have long enjoyed friendly relations and collaboration in various fields of endeavor. This is because our two countries have always enjoyed mutual understanding and goodwill. Important personalities of our countries as academicians, scientists, government officials, many members of parliaments as well as politicians frequently exchange visits and experiences in the frame of international political arena. We are confident that cordial relations and expanding cooperation among our two countries as well as our common cooperation and intention to strengthen them further are not only helping to promote the existing level of friendly relations but also are going to contribute to lasting stability, prosperity and peace among various countries of the world.
In the course of my official duty and meetings with government officials, with representatives of The Parliament and The Senate of your country we have had always common understanding of our unchanged mutual interest and keen desire for mutual collaboration in various fields as economy, energy, trade and main political international issues.
However, it is also true that we have identified a common deficiency in the very important field of potential cooperation. Hand on our hearts, every day I am able to meet important personalities as well as ordinary citizens of Bangkok, (I am very sure that the same experience has my counterpart of the Kingdom of Thailand in Prague) who visit our country not just once, but repetitively.
The number of tourists who annually visit our countries from both sides is steadily rising. As result of that this autumn Czech Airlines are going to inaugurate after five years of not presence the direct flight from Prague to Bangkok.
But yet, our people still do not know much of our respective cultural backgrounds as well as mutual cooperation in the field of education is minimal. This is in my judgment a real remainder for a possible strengthening of our future intensified colaboration, the deepening of our mutual knowledge of history of our societies and wider cultural knowledge. I am deeply convince that the rising star of the Thai Czech Association which is going to be registered soon is very well and timely placed to the demand of our relations, as outcome of volunteer activities of personalities having long and outstanding connection to our country. I believe that this Association is going to welcome everyone with interest in our cooperation, our expatriates as well as friends and will be able to emerge on this field as strong entity with demanded activities. I am fully convinced the Embassy and The Government will be keen and looking forward to extend support to such activities.
Last year, we have opened the Honorary Consulate office in Pukhet and this year the registration of the Thai Czech Association should be a visible step for distinguished celebration of the 90 years anniversary of independence of our latest form of statehood here in The Kingdom of Thailand. And in my personal opinion this effort could be the right step in the right direction for further strengthening of our mutual understanding and mutual cooperation of both our countries.
I am very pleased that as the Ambassador of the Czech Republic I have the opportunity and privilege to be witness of these newly born incentives and be able to extend wider support to such mutual engagements. It is my believe that this is very good starting point and optimistic step on the long way to promote such upgrade of common relation based on the will of people engaged on the platform of non governmental organizations. And from that point of view I am pleased to say that our relations are moving to new level of cooperation.
