Lai awards Czech Senate speaker Order of Propitious Clouds

Taipei, June 2 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds on Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, in recognition of his longstanding support for Taiwan, contributions to Taiwan-Czech ties and efforts to defend democratic values.

Lai bestowed the medal, one of Taiwan's highest honors for foreign nationals, upon Vystrčil at the Presidential Office.

He praised his decision to visit Taiwan in 2020 despite pressure from China and for saying "I am Taiwanese" during a speech at Taiwan's Legislature, calling it a demonstration of "democratic courage."

Lai said the medal recognizes Vystrčil's unwavering support for Taiwan over the years, his outstanding contributions to Taiwan-Czech relations and his strong defense of democracy around the world.

The decoration also symbolizes the Taiwanese people's highest respect and gratitude toward Vystrčil and stands as a testament to the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, he added.

Lai said Taiwan and the Czech Republic have continued to deepen their partnership in recent years, not only in safeguarding shared democratic values but also through cooperation in trade, technology, culture and education.

He noted that China Airlines launched direct flights between Taipei and Prague in 2023, while Starlux Airlines is set to begin direct service on the route in August, further strengthening people-to-people and business exchanges.

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

Czech ambitions to become a European Union artificial intelligence "super factory" have attracted active participation from Taiwanese companies, he added.

● Taiwan semiconductor cybersecurity firm opens office in Czech Republic

Lai said that as authoritarianism, something which both Taiwan and the Czech Republic have experienced, continues to expand globally, democratic countries must stand together to defend their shared values.

In his remarks, Vystrčil said he was deeply honored to receive the medal and viewed it as recognition of the Czech Senate as a whole.

Vystrčil said after he was re-elected president of the Czech Senate in 2024 by an overwhelming majority, his colleagues subsequently recommended he visit Taiwan again during a plenary session.

Upon reading Lai's speech marking the second anniversary of his inauguration, Vystrčil said he was reminded of the many similarities shared by Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

At a time when the rule of law and freedom are under pressure in the international order, countries must strengthen their resilience and work together to defend democracy and liberty, he said.

Times like these highlight the importance of partnerships, and he was grateful to be able to visit Taiwan, Vystrčil said.

The medal represents not only recognition but also responsibility and commitment, Vystrčil said, pledging to continue promoting closer ties and cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.