Ambassador Jan Füry hosted a large reception to celebrate the Czech Republic’s national day at the Serena Hotel.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Czechoslovakian statehood after WWI in 1918. In 1993, the country split into two, with continued excellent relations, following the so-called ‘velvet dissolution’ after the fall of the Soviet Union, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia were created.

In his speech, ambassador Füry highlighted some of the many changes of the last hundred years, including the Nazi occupation during WWII. “Since 2004, both countries are members of the EU and NATO”, said the ambassador.

The chief guest was Omar Ayub Khan, federal minister for energy and power, drew attention to the trade potential between the Czech Republic and Pakistan, and he welcomed investment in Pakistan’s many industrial projects, including in the energy sector.

Ambassador Füry mentioned the Czech entrepreneur Tomas Bata, who established the first Bata Shoe Factory in the subcontinent in Lahore. Last week an exhibition was opened at Batapur to tell Bata’s story.

In connection with this year’s national day, Mr. Füry said that the first honorary consulate in Peshawar had been opened.

London-based Czech musician Frantisek Brikcius entertained guests with interludes of music played on violin cello, adding a cultural dimension to the elegant reception.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2018