Armenian president highlights deep historical ties at official banquet hosted by Czech counterpart

An official dinner was hosted by President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel in honor of visiting Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan.

According to the President's Office, during the dinner, President Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered the following toast:

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

Relations between Armenia and the Czech Republic have a strong historical foundation. Ties between our peoples were formed long before Armenia’s independence and have gone through different stages over time, while retaining their important place in the memory of the 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 has developed among Czech society, while Armenian intellectuals and public figures have established ties with Czech cultural and scientific circles.

As early as the 19th century, in 1843, Czech naturalist and professor at the University of Prague Friedrich Kolenati, who was traveling in the Caucasus, met in Tiflis with Khachatur Abovyan, the prominent Armenian writer, educator, and founder of modern Armenian literature.

The meeting of the two great intellectuals is highly symbolic for us today, in the sense that Armenian-Czech contacts were formed at a time when not only did diplomatic relations between our countries, in the modern understanding of the term, not exist, but there was no Armenian state either.

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

In the field of literature, Ludmila Motalova is one of the most beautiful names in Armenian-Czech relations. During her short life, the Czech Armenologist and translator carried out enormous work to introduce 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 Jiri Skoumal, also had a deep interest in Armenia and Armenian literature. In 1971, he traveled as far as the village of Chanakhchi, the birthplace of the brilliant Paruyr Sevak, to meet the great Armenian poet and present him with the Czech translation of his work.

That meeting also has particular significance today. Just three days later, Paruyr Sevak died in a tragic accident. However, his words continued their journey to the Czech Republic thanks to Motalova’s translations and the dedication of people such as Skoumal.

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

The rich historical and cultural heritage also finds its unique expression in the character of the two capitals. Prague is known as the ‘city of a hundred towers,’ while Yerevan is known as the ‘pink city.’ Although they have different colors and architectural outlines, both capitals have managed to harmoniously combine their rich heritage accumulated over centuries with a modern and creative spirit.

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

I belong to a generation for whom, in childhood, Jaroslav Hasek’s ‘The Good Soldier Svejk’ and, at a more mature age, Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ were so-called books to keep at hand; in whose homes Bedřich Smetana’s ‘The Bartered Bride’ and Antonín Dvořák’s ‘From the New World’ Symphony No. 9 were constantly heard. This land gave birth to the brilliant Gregor Mendel, Sigmund Freud and many other great figures.

Our rich historical and cultural ties acquired a new, interstate dimension after the independence of the Republic of Armenia, turning into stable areas of political, interparliamentary, economic, educational and cultural cooperation, while bilateral relations have acquired a comprehensive and multifaceted nature over the years.

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

I am convinced that in the coming years we can make fuller use of the potential of Armenia-Czech Republic relations by expanding trade and economic ties, promoting investment cooperation, developing cooperation in energy, high technologies, science and education, as well as other areas of bilateral interest.

Today, here in Prague, I would like to reaffirm that the Republic of Armenia is committed to continuing the stable development of its relations with the Czech Republic. I am also more than confident that the friendship between the two peoples, which has stood the test of time, will continue to grow stronger and be enriched with new content, becoming more visible in the everyday lives of our citizens as well.

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

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

mutual respect, trust and friendship between our peoples,

peace, stability, prosperity and progress for Armenia and the Czech Republic.

Long live the Republic of Armenia, long live the Czech Republic, long live Armenian-Czech friendship.”