TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday awarded Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil a top state honor for his support of Taiwan and work to strengthen Taiwan-Czech Republic relations.
The Presidential Office said Lai gave Vystrcil the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon. He said the award recognized Vystrcil’s long support for Taiwan, his contribution to relations between the two sides, and his defense of democracy.
Lai said Taiwan and the Czech Republic share the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. He said these values have brought the two sides closer, even though they are far apart.
Lai said Taiwan and the Czech Republic have expanded cooperation in recent years. He cited progress in trade, technology, culture, education, direct flights, semiconductor research, and artificial intelligence.
China Airlines opened direct flights between Taipei and Prague in 2023. Starlux is expected to start direct flights on the same route in August, which Lai said would bring people and businesses closer.
Lai said the two sides have also set up a semiconductor research and development center to train talent. He said Taiwan companies are taking part in the Czech Republic’s plan to build an artificial intelligence gigafactory for the European Union.
Vystrcil said he was deeply honored to receive the award. He said the honor also belonged to the Czech Senate, which had supported his visits to Taiwan.
Vystrcil said democratic countries must support each other and work together. He said freedom and democracy face growing pressure, and countries must build resilience to protect them.
The Order of Propitious Clouds is a state honor given by Taiwan to people who have made major contributions to the country. The Special Grand Cordon is the order’s highest rank, showing special recognition for a person’s service and support.
