Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun receives Mr. Patrick Rumlar, head of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan

You Si-kun: Thanks to Representative Rumlar for promoting exchanges and interactions between Taiwan and the Czech Republic

Accompanied by Secretary General Lin Jih-jia and Consultant Chou Ya-shu, President of the Legislative Yuan You Si-kun received head of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan Patrick Rumlar at 10:30 a.m. today. In remarks at the event, President You welcomed Representative Rumlar while also expressing sadness that he should be leaving Taiwan soon for his next posting. President You shared heartfelt appreciation for Representative Rumlar’s having promoted various exchanges and interactions during his time in Taiwan, including helping to arrange the visit of Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil.

President You stated that he was scheduled to visit the Czech Republic the following week. He thanked Senate President Vystrčil for inviting him and Representative Rumlar for making related arrangements. President You said he had never been to the Czech Republic and looked forward to it. He then wished Representative Rumlar all the best after returning home and asked that he would continue to promote bilateral relations. 

President You then stated that Czech Republic was among the countries swept up in the third wave of democratization and shared similarities with Taiwan’s own march to democracy. Accordingly, President You hoped to learn more about the obstacles that the Czech Republic encountered in its democratization process during his visit. Although Taiwan is known as a leader in international democracy and freedom indices, there is always room for improvement. He hoped also to learn more about how the Czech people have become more democratically literate.

President You expressed his admiration to Czech Republic for remaining firm in the face of authoritarian repression. Senate President Miloš Vystrčil faced tremendous pressure from China not to travel to Taiwan but did so anyway. Even under tough circumstances, the Czech Republic insisted on upholding the universal values of democracy and freedom. Such actions, President You continued, are worthy of emulation. In recent years, Taiwan has confronted intimidation from China and circumnavigation by Chinese warplanes and warships, actions that have undermined the stability of the Taiwan Strait and the security of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Fortunately, the people of Taiwan continue to stand strong in the face of China’s bullying. President You asked Representative Rumlar if he could share the Czech Republic’s related experiences.      

In finishing his remarks, President You said he was willing to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue of direct flights between Taiwan and Prague. President You then expressed hope that Representative Rumlar would return to Taiwan often, and that he was certain that Representative Rumlar would continue to contribute to bilateral relations. The meeting ended at 11:30 a.m. after a token of appreciation was presented and group photos were taken.