Czech Foreign Minister Awards Medal for Merit in Diplomacy to 16 Distinguished Figures and Institutions
Prague, The Gulf Observer: In a ceremony held on Tuesday, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský presented the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy to sixteen outstanding individuals and institutions who have made notable contributions to Czech diplomacy and to fostering positive international relations for Czechia.
The honorees represent a wide spectrum of professions—from journalism and intelligence to historical preservation and economic leadership—each recognized for their significant role in enhancing Czechia’s standing on the global stage.
Among the laureates was Petr Brod, a distinguished journalist known for his work with Radio Free Europe in exile and for his scholarship in Czech-German relations and Jewish history in Bohemia. Also awarded was Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Counter Intelligence Service (BIS), for his contributions to national security and international cooperation.
Post Bellum, a non-governmental organization established in 2001 by historians and journalists, was honored for its work in preserving oral historical testimony through the “Memory of Nations” archive. Radek Špicar, a leading economist and vice president of the Czech Confederation of Industry and Trade, was also recognized for his efforts in promoting Czech economic diplomacy abroad.
The Medal for Merit in Diplomacy is conferred by the Minister of Foreign Affairs as an official expression of appreciation to both domestic and foreign figures who have made a lasting impact on Czechia’s diplomatic landscape. The award acknowledges their dedication to foreign policy, international cooperation, and the cultivation of good-neighbourly relations.
Minister Lipavský emphasized that this year’s recipients exemplify the values of service, commitment, and cross-border understanding that are essential to modern diplomacy. “Their work builds bridges, not just between nations, but between people,” he stated.
The ceremony marks a continued effort by the Czech Republic to honor those who help shape its positive global engagement and legacy of international collaboration.
