BRIDGE BUILDER:The award is in recognition of the Czech senate president’s efforts to tighten ties between the Czech Republic and Taiwan since his conspicuous 2020 visit

By Chen Yun and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer

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President William Lai （賴清德） yesterday presented the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon to Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil in recognition of his longstanding support for Taiwan, efforts to advance Taiwan-Czech relations and commitment to defending democracy worldwide.

Vystrcil drew international attention while visiting Taiwan for the first time in 2020 when he said “I am Taiwanese” in Mandarin during a speech at the Legislative Yuan.

The Czech Senate leader arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a second visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas including politics, business, education and culture.

Speaking at a ceremony yesterday, Lai welcomed Vystrcil on his return to Taiwan and thanked him for supporting the nation through concrete actions.

While Taiwan and the Czech Republic are geographically distant, they are united by a shared belief in democracy, freedom and human rights, he said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Vystrcil pressed ahead with his visit to Taiwan, despite opposition from Beijing, Lai said.

His declaration that “I am Taiwanese” deeply moved Taiwanese and enabled the world to witness the courage of democracy, the strength of unity and the Czech people’s longstanding tradition of defending freedom, Lai said.

Presenting the medal, Lai said the honor reflects Vystrcil’s exceptional courage and symbolizes the highest respect and gratitude of the Taiwanese.

China Airlines launched direct flights between Taipei and Prague in 2023, while Starlux Airlines is scheduled to begin direct services on the route in August, strengthening personal and business exchanges, Lai said.

In the semiconductor sector, the two nations have jointly established a research and development center and expanded talent cultivation efforts, he said.

Prague’s ambition to become an EU artificial intelligence “super factory” has drawn enthusiastic participation from Taiwanese companies, he added.

At a time of uncertainty, Taiwan should send a clear message to the international community that Taiwan and the Czech Republic would continue to march forward and stand on the side of freedom and democracy to contribute to global peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

Vystrcil said receiving the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon was a tremendous honor that should be regarded not only as a personal distinction, but a recognition of the Czech Senate.

In 2020 and this year, the Senate by overwhelming majorities approved resolutions supporting his visits to Taiwan, he said, adding that such decisions require political courage.

Vystrcil paid tribute to former Czech Senate speaker Jaroslav Kubera, who had planned a visit to Taiwan before his death in 2020.

Commenting on Lai’s address marking his second anniversary in office last month, Vystrcil said he found many similarities between the two countries.

The rule of law and fundamental freedoms seem to be taking a back seat as unchecked power continues to expand globally, he said.

Democratic nations have a responsibility to enhance their resilience against this trend and must cooperate to defend freedom and democracy, he added.

Additional reporting by CNA

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES