Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : On the occasion of the 35th anniversary on November 17, 1989, Minister Jan Lipavský presented the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy to seventeen domestic and foreign personalities and organizations.
Traditionally, on the occasion of the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy and the International Student Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a departmental award – the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy – on the grounds of the ?ernín Palace.
” Today’s ceremony is primarily a thank you. By thanking you, the laureates. It is you who strengthen relations between the Czech Republic and the world with your work and determination. Thanks to you, our country is perceived as a trustworthy and respected partner. You are helping us to co-create a good image of the Czech Republic in the world, ” said Minister Jan Lipavský at the beginning of the ceremony.
With this award, the head of Czech diplomacy expressed his gratitude to the laureates for the excellent work they do for the benefit of the Czech Republic, for deepening friendly relations with other countries and for strengthening the prestige of the Czech Republic in the world. In addition to the awardees, their relatives and guests, representatives of the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, governments and diplomatic representatives of a number of countries took part in the ceremony.
In previous years, for example, Madeline Albrightová, Karel Schwarzenberg, Magdalena Vašáryová or Michael Žantovský received the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy.
This year, the following laureates expanded their ranks:
Thomas BAGGER, Germany
for long-term support and personal commitment in the process of Czech-German understanding
Veronika BÍLKOVÁ, Czech Republic
for outstanding contribution in the field of international law and respect for human rights
Dana DRÁBOVÁ, Czech Republic
for an extraordinary contribution to the support of Czech science in the international environment
Financial Analysis Office, Czech Republic
for a significant role in the fight against money laundering, the prevention of terrorist financing and the implementation of international sanctions
Jamie Mark FLY, United States of America
for an extraordinary contribution to the defense of human rights in the world
Tomáš Grulich, in memoriam, Czech Republic
for an extraordinary contribution to the improvement and deepening of relations between the Czech state and the Czech diaspora in the world
Ji?í GRUNTORÁD, Czech Republic
for an extraordinary and lifelong contribution in the fight against totalitarianism and for the development of democracy
Edib JAGANJAC, Bosnia and Herzegovina
for outstanding work in the field of humanitarian and medical aid
V?ra JOUROVÁ, Czech Republic
for an extraordinary contribution to Czech and European diplomacy
Igor LUKEŠ, United States of America
for lifetime contribution to the development of Czech-American relations
Petr MAREŠ, Czech Republic
for lifelong contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy
MEDEVAC and Permanent Assistance on the spot program, Czech Republic
for an extraordinary contribution to saving human lives and protecting human rights
Martin PALOUŠ, Czech Republic
for lifelong contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy
Pavel TELI?KA, Czech Republic
for lifelong contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy
György VARGA, Hungary
for lifelong contribution and extraordinary personal commitment to the development of Czech-Hungarian relations.
Vienna Free Sheets, Austria
for long-term contribution to the development of Czech-Austrian relations and the Czech expatriate community