TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) welcomed Marek Benda to the Legislative Yuan on Wednesday (Nov. 13).
Han noted that launching a direct flight between Taipei and Prague in July 2023 has brought the two countries closer. Taiwanese tourists to the Czech Republic have surged, he said.
As demand now exceeds capacity, Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲), as chair of the Taiwan-Czech Parliamentary Amity Association, is working to secure additional flights, per CNA.
Han praised the Czech Republic as a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. He said Czech figures, including former president Vaclav Havel, are well-known in Taiwan.
Benda, chair of the Czech House of Representatives Taiwan Friendship Group, said his warm welcome to Taiwan is a testament to the nation’s democratic values. He emphasized that international relations transcend political affiliations and unite rather than divide.
Benda reaffirmed his opposition to authoritarianism. History shows that steadfast principles and resistance to evil will ultimately prevail, he said.
The delegation arrived in Taiwan on Monday to discuss Taiwan-Czech relations and bilateral cooperation with high-ranking officials and local scholars. In a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday, Benda underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and said it affects Southeast Asian maritime security. He also rejected China’s military intimidation in the region and its misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758.