Irish and Czech people are a great fit

Dear readers,

Ambassador Manahan and her daughter Leah Leslie and son Luke Leslie

Being an Ambassador to the Czech Republic is an honour and a privilege. We have worked closely with the government and people during the pandemic, and the Irish government is working well with the Czech government. President Higgins warmly congratulated President Pavel earlier this year on his election. The President and Czech government are impressive in their leadership and response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Ireland continues to stand with the Ukrainian government and people in this second year after Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression.

The delivery of a successful Czech European Commission Presidency in the second half of 2022, the Czech response to Russia, and the handling of the energy crisis have all been effective. The delivery of a prompt, humane Czech response to the arrival of several thousand Ukrainian refugees, mainly women and children, has been acknowledged internationally. Ireland also has responded fast to this major humanitarian need.

A recent trade mission, led by our Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, with Enterprise Ireland and many leading Irish companies, underlined our commitment to the delivery of digital and Green transition, business, agritech, environmental solutions, fintech, and innovative software. Ireland and the Czech Republic are like-minded at the EU and UN levels, and cooperate closely on transatlantic relations, sanctions, energy, climate change, human rights, the rule of law, Single Market, trade, and much more. Cooperation with the Czech government, public and private agencies, and Czech TV and media has created more interest in Ireland, and is leading to further collaboration.

Education is key to our future cooperation, and we are more aware of each other’s history and experience since our independence. My adult son Luke and daughter Leah Leslie both work in the creative industries, and while I have been posted here they have been learning more about their European roots. We have been greatly impressed by the talent and history of the Czech people, and by the vibrant beauty of Prague and the country. Together we have learnt more about the development of the Czech Republic since the Nazi and Soviet occupations.

Irish and Czech people are a great fit in business throughout the Czech Republic, also in the many cultural sectors where we share our talents. We have constant engagement with the vibrant Irish community in Prague, from students studying on Erasmus+ exchanges, to established expats in the Czech Irish Business and Cultural Association, and with the Irish Studies Centre in Charles University. We encourage all your readers and their families to visit Ireland, and to explore educational links. We’re delighted that Irish culture, film, and animation have captured the imagination and hearts of Czech, as well as global audiences. The Irish language is taught and spoken in Prague, and Gaelic Games – and Irish football hurling – have been growing in popularity there.

As I prepare to leave the Czech Republic, it remains vital that we stand together for common values, including unwavering support for the Ukrainian people, as well as for our shared commitment to freedom and democracy. I wish the readers of the Czech and Slovak Leaders success, health, and peace. I leave the Czech Republic to return to Ireland knowing that we are close and reliable partners, who together are large enough to make a difference through partnership, and even closer international
cooperation.

Is mise le meas – Sincerely,

Cliona Manahan