- Representative Václav Jílek of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Violet Grand Cordon July 9 in recognition of his contributions to advancing Taiwan-Czech relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaoshieh Joseph Wu conferred the Order on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen.
In his remarks, Minister Wu expressed appreciation for Representative Jílek’s longstanding support of Taiwan, especially for actively promoting bilateral exchanges. During his four-year tenure in Taiwan, Representative Jílek has played a leading role in the signing of bilateral agreements in such areas as youth working holidays, education, science and technology, and avoidance of double taxation. His efforts have paved the way for stronger bilateral relations in the years to come.
Representative Jílek expressed deep gratitude for the award and thanked his Taiwanese friends for their support and assistance during his tenure. He stressed that the Czech Republic will continue to cooperate with Taiwan to safeguard such shared core values as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and that he will forever be close friends with Taiwan.
Representative Jílek is a seasoned career diplomat, having served as the Czech Ambassador to Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. He assumed his current post in September 2014 and will be departing next month.
