By Marinel E. Peroy
Ambassador Karel Hejč of the Czech Republic reaffirmed his country’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and for the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.
“Tayo ay patuloy na mananatiling matatag sa harap ng anumang pagtatangka na baguhin ang mga hangganan sa pamamagitan ng pwersa, kahit saan man ito nangyayari—sa Europe o sa South China Sea (We remain steadfast against any attempts to change borders by force, whether in Europe or the South China Sea),” Ambassador Hejč said in Tagalog, emphasizing the need for international law in resolving territorial disputes.
“Ang Czech Republic ay laging nasa panig ng pandaigdigang batas. Sa sigalot sa South China Sea, malinaw na ang batas na ito ay nasa panig ng Pilipinas (The Czech Republic always stands with international law. In the South China Sea conflict, it is clear the law is on the Philippines’ side),” he said during the Czech National Day celebration at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.
The ambassador further assured that the Philippines could count on Czech support and solidarity. “Tayo ay patuloy na maninindigan para sa pag-uusap at kapayapaan, anuman ang sitwasyon. Ito ang ating pangako at ito ang ating patuloy na paninindigan, sa buong mundo (We will continue to advocate for dialogue and peace, regardless of the situation. This is our commitment and our guiding principle worldwide),” he added.
Czech-Philippine relations have strengthened through state-level visits and deeper cooperation with key agencies. This was exemplified by the recent visit of Markéta Pekarová Adamová, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, accompanied by a business delegation, as well as the Czech Republic’s fourfold increase in its quota for Filipino migrant workers.
Ambassador Hejč also reflected on the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the Czech Republic will celebrate its 106th anniversary as an independent state on October 28. He recalled how the former Czechoslovakia endured Nazi occupation and Soviet dictatorship.
“Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, we have enjoyed 35 years of uninterrupted peace and freedom. We are deeply committed to safeguarding these values and believe that all nations deserve peaceful coexistence with their neighbors,” he said.
The Czech Embassy’s National Day event on October 16 brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Philippine government officials, and business and civic leaders.