Taipei: Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrcil expressed a commitment to enhancing the partnership between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, emphasizing the shared democratic values of both nations. In a recent interview with CNA, Vystrcil discussed his upcoming visit to Taiwan, scheduled from June 1-4, which marks his second trip following his initial visit in August 2020.

According to Focus Taiwan, the primary objective of Vystrcil’s visit is to reinforce mutual support and deepen understanding on political and cultural fronts. His itinerary includes meetings with senior Taiwanese officials and participation in various events, such as a symposium on former Czech President V¡clav Havel, the unveiling of “Havel’s Bench” in Taipei’s Daan Park, and a screening of the documentary “Jsem Tchajwanec,” which documents his 2020 visit to Taiwan. These events highlight the shared values of democracy and freedom that Havel, the Czech Republic’s first president, symbolized.

Vystrcil reflected on the progress in Taiwan-Czech relations over recent years, notably the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Prague by China Airlines in July 2023. This development has facilitated travel and promoted tourism and business exchanges. He also noted growing cooperation in business and academia, including projects in supply chain research, semiconductor technology, and student exchange programs.

Addressing potential pressure from China regarding his visit, Vystrcil affirmed that the Czech Republic prioritizes its national interests and those of Taiwan. He pointed out the significant rise in bilateral trade and Taiwanese investments, citing companies like CTi Europe s.r.o and Foxconn, which have created nearly 25,000 jobs in the Czech Republic. These economic gains underscore the tangible benefits of the partnership beyond political considerations.

However, Vystrcil’s planned visit has sparked debate within Czech politics. Czech Prime Minister Andrej BabiÅ¡ recently decided against providing a government aircraft for the trip, citing concerns over potential repercussions on Czech business interests in China. Vystrcil, while open to economic ties with China, advocates for relations grounded in equality and mutual advantage, cautioning against one-sided dependencies.