The Times Kuwait Report
The Czech Embassy in Kuwait hosted a reception to mark the Czech Republic’s Independence Day, bringing together guests to celebrate the country’s history and its longstanding friendship with Kuwait. The occasion also highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, with Czech Ambassador H.E. Juraj Chmiel reaffirming his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kuwait across diplomatic, economic, trade and defense sectors, while underscoring the importance of regional security and stability.
Speaking at a reception Ambassador Chmiel said the fifth round of Czech-Kuwaiti political consultations, held in October despite the security challenges facing the region, reflect the strength of the partnership between the two countries.
The ambassador expressed appreciation for the longstanding historical relationship between Prague and Kuwait, recalling that Czechoslovakia recognized Kuwait in 1961, established diplomatic relations in 1963 and opened its embassy in Kuwait in 1965.
Since then, bilateral relations have continued to develop beyond diplomatic engagement to encompass trade, economic cooperation and investment, creating opportunities and mutual benefits for both countries, he said.
Czech Republic expresses solidarity with Kuwait
Ambassador Chmiel expressed deep sorrow over the Iranian attacks on Kuwait earlier this year, conveying sincere condolences on behalf of the Czech Republic and its embassy to the families of the victims. He reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with the Kuwaiti people and leadership during these difficult circumstances, stressing that the Czech Republic stands alongside Kuwait in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives.
He also expressed hope that the victims would rest in peace. The ambassador underscored the Czech Republic’s commitment to supporting regional security and stability, noting that his country’s participation in Operation Desert Storm and its longstanding defense cooperation with Kuwait had helped lay the foundations for the close partnership enjoyed by the two countries today.
He stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening this cooperation in the coming years in ways that serve their shared interests and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Push for year-round direct flights
Turning to tourism and people-to-people ties, Chmiel expressed hope that direct flights between Kuwait and the Czech Republic could operate throughout the year rather than being restricted to specific seasons.
He noted that Jazeera Airways is offering travelers the opportunity to benefit from direct winter flights to the Czech Republic beginning this year. The ambassador expressed hope that further efforts would lead to year-round direct services, strengthening links between the two peoples while supporting tourism and economic exchanges.
In his address, Chmiel recalled the establishment of Czechoslovakia in October 1918, paying tribute to the contributions of founding figures Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, Milan Rastislav Štefánik and Edvard Beneš, among others, who helped secure the country’s independence.
He noted that the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic emerged as independent states through a peaceful separation in 1993, following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, while maintaining close relations with each other. The ambassador thanked the guests for attending the celebration and expressed hope for peace in the region and around the world, as well as the continued strengthening of friendship between the Czech Republic and Kuwait.
He also acknowledged the sponsors supporting the reception and praised the embassy team and an intern Natalia for organizing the first reception of its kind at the embassy premises.
The event featured a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, a short musical performance by musicians from the Kuwait Music Academy and an exhibition introducing visitors to the Czech Republic, held on the ground floor of the embassy building.
