October 30, H. E. Mr. Lukáš Kaucký, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Bulgaria,

gave a reception at the embassy on the occasion of the national holiday of the country. It is celebrated on October 28, the date on which the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state was announced at the St.Wenceslas Square in Prague in 1918.

This is the first reception given by the new Czech ambassador to Bulgaria who delivered his credentials just a few days ago - on October 8, 2019. It was attended by numerous guests: officials, ambassadors, deputies, diplomats, people of culture and arts, journalists, friends.

H. E. Mr. Lukáš Kaucký welcomed the attendees with the words:

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you here at this reception in my capacity as the new Ambassador of the Czech Republic.

Today we are gathered to celebrate our National Day and commemorate the 101^st anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia and modern Czech statehood.

It's a privilege and honor for me to address you on this momentous occasion. 101 years is a remarkable age! The beginning of the second century of the existence of the independent Czech state is a key milestone.

Very important place in the modern history of our nation have always had Czech-Bulgarian relations, which had their roots and beginnings at the same time when a new independent Bulgaria was established. Next year we will commemorate 100^th anniversary of the foundation of our diplomatic relations, 100 years of friendly, fruitful and truly successful cooperation.     

During this period the Czech Republic has always been striving to deepen the cooperation with Bulgaria in many areas of our bilateral relations. Very new chapter of our relations and truly close cooperation has been written since both of our countries joined NATO and the European Union. We are not only allies but also important trade partners.

There has been steady growth of our mutual trade for the last decade – more than 1,5 billion EUR in 2018 and we expect further increase this year. Czech Republic belongs among 10 biggest foreign direct investors in Bulgaria – let me mention energy production and distribution, telecommunications, medical devices, machinery, food industry. About 150 thousand Czech tourists visit Bulgaria every year. 

Still, there is a lot potential for strengthening and deepening our business cooperation and we hope to find more opportunities through joint efforts. But it is not just about business. The most significant element of any bilateral relations has always been people to people contacts. In this respect I am proud of great people of both of our countries doing a great job.

Ladies and gentleman, this year we also celebrate 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. 30 years ago the Czechoslovakia and other Central and Eastern European countries set out on a journey towards democracy and prosperity.

Let me finish my address to you with a positive wish. Let the next years and decades be filled with a positive spirit in which the Czechs and Bulgarians enjoy prosperity, harmony and friendship with each other and our international neighbours.

The guests loudly applauded the ambassador's speech and indulged in lively conversations. They saw the exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the events of November 17, 1989, known as the Gentle Revolution, and enjoyed the footage of the Czech Republic's beauties. They also tried the famous Prague ham, the wonderful Czech beer, as well as many other specialties.

Photos are provided by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: H. E. Mr. Lukáš Kaucký, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Bulgaria, and diplomats from the Embassy