President Tsai Ing-wen met Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil at the Presidential Office Thursday, praising the relationship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Tsai bestowed the Order of Propitious Clouds posthumously to Vystrčil’s predecessor, Jaroslav Kundera. Kundera was set to visit Taiwan as part of the Czech delegation, but passed away in January. The order is given by the Taiwanese government to civilians and foreign nationals for contributions to national and societal development.
The president said that Kundera was a good friend to Taiwan, and put great effort towards elevating the two countries’ relationship. Tsai said she was saddened by his passing, and that the Order is meant to show the highest respect to Kundera.
She said that like the Czech Republic, Taiwan has endured authoritarian rule and a grueling fight for democracy. The president also said that both countries are proud of their democratic experiences and will stand firm to defend democracy.