Official Dinner Hosted by President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel in Honor of President Vahagn Khachaturyan

An official dinner was hosted by President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel in honor of President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is on an official visit to the Czech Republic.

Toast by President Vahagn Khachaturyan:

“It is a great honor and a particular pleasure for me to be in the Czech Republic. First and foremost, allow me to express my gratitude to You, Mr. President, and to the friendly people of the Czech Republic for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and sincere friendship.

Relations between Armenia and the Czech Republic have a strong historical foundation. Contacts between our peoples were established long before Armenia gained independence and, over time, went through different stages, while maintaining their important place in the memory of our two peoples.

Cultural interaction has played a significant role in the development of Armenian-Czech ties. Interest in the history, culture, and literature of Armenia developed within Czech society, while Armenian intellectuals and public figures established ties with Czech cultural and academic circles.

As early as the 19th century, in 1843, the Czech naturalist and professor at the University of Prague, Friedrich Kolenati, who was travelling in the Caucasus, met in Tbilisi with Khachatur Abovyan, the prominent Armenian writer, illuminator, educator, and founder of modern Armenian literature. Today, the meeting of these two great intellectuals is highly symbolic for us, as Armenian-Czech contacts were established at a time when there were not only no diplomatic relations between our countries in the modern sense, but there was not even an Armenian state.

In the 20th century, these ties were enriched with important humanitarian and cultural dimensions. Czech writer and traveler Karel Hansa holds a special place in the history of Armenian-Czech friendship. In 1922, while in the Middle East, he met Armenians who had survived the Armenian Genocide. Upon returning to Czechoslovakia, he published the book “The Horrors of the East”, gave lectures, and initiated efforts to support Armenian orphans.

One of the most beautiful names in Armenian-Czech literary relations is Ludmila Motalová. During her short life, the Czech Armenologist and translator made an enormous contribution to introducing Armenian literature to Czech readers. She translated works by Isahakyan, Tumanyan, Charents, Bakunts, Sevak, Hrant Matevosyan, and many other Armenian authors. Her husband, journalist and writer Jiří Skoumal, also had a deep interest in Armenia and Armenian literature.

In 1971, he travelled as far as the village of Chanakhchi, the birthplace of the great Armenian poet Paruyr Sevak, to meet him and present him with a Czech translation of his work.

That meeting has a particular significance today as well. Just three days later, Paruyr Sevak tragically passed away in an accident. However, his words continued their journey to the Czech Republic thanks to Motalová’s translations and the dedication of people such as Skoumal.

The Armenian presence in Prague, however, has not been limited to literature. Today, Armenian-Czech cultural dialogue continues to develop in new forms. Armenian and Czech artists, musicians, writers, scholars, and cultural organizations continue to create new opportunities for cooperation.

Our rich historical and cultural heritage finds a unique expression in the character of our two capitals as well. Prague is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” while Yerevan is known as the “Pink City.” Although they have different colors and architectural profiles, both capitals have succeeded in harmoniously combining their rich centuries-old heritage with a modern and creative spirit.

Perhaps it is precisely this harmonious combination of tradition and modernity that constitutes one of the most beautiful bridges connecting our two peoples.

I belong to a generation for whom, in childhood, Jaroslav Hašek’s “The Good Soldier Švejk,” and later, in adulthood, Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” were so-called bedside books, a generation in whose homes Bedřich Smetana’s “The Bartered Bride” and Antonín Dvořák’s “From the New World,” his Ninth Symphony, were constantly heard. This is the land that gave birth to such geniuses as Gregor Mendel, Sigmund Freud, and many others.

Following the independence of the Republic of Armenia, our rich historical and cultural ties acquired a new, inter-state dimension, developing into stable areas of political, interparliamentary, economic, educational, and cultural cooperation. Over the years, bilateral relations have acquired a comprehensive and multifaceted character.

We highly value the development of political dialogue with the Czech Republic and the attention that the Czech Republic devotes to Armenia and the region. Moreover, on the path toward deepening Armenia-EU relations, the Czech Republic is an important partner and a reliable bridge, creating new opportunities for advancing our European agenda through its support.

I am confident that in the coming years we can make fuller use of the potential of Armenia-Czech relations by expanding trade and economic ties, promoting investment cooperation, and developing cooperation in energy, high technologies, science and education, as well as in other areas of mutual interest.
Here today, in Prague, I would like to reaffirm that the Republic of Armenia is committed to continuing the steady development of its relations with the Czech Republic. I am also more than confident that the friendship between our two peoples, which has stood the test of time, will continue to strengthen and acquire new content, becoming increasingly visible in the everyday lives of our citizens.

Allow me, on this solemn occasion, to raise a glass:

To the further strengthening of friendship and partnership between the Republic of Armenia and the Czech Republic,

To mutual respect, trust, and friendship between our peoples,

To peace, stability, prosperity, and progress for Armenia and the Czechia,

Long live the Republic of Armenia, long live the Czech Republic, and long live Armenia-Czech friendship!”