Your Excellency, distinguished guests,
we are here today to commemorate 29 years of freedom in South Africa. In April 1994 South Africa held its first elections, in which all citizens of the country were able to participate. Today, almost three decades later, South Africa remains a model for parliamentary democracy throughout Africa. I am therefore honoured to have the opportunity to congratulate the South African Government and people today on this great achievement.
Dear Ambassador, the people of Czechia were standing side by side with your people as friends during the entire time of South Africa's struggle for independence. As friends, who learned the value of freedom and democracy the hard way, and who are now enjoying and appreciating their full benefits. Symbolically, this friendship was sealed right from the start by the very close relationship between presidents Nelson Mandela and Václav Havel.
In Europe, we realise the symbolism of the South African Freedom Day now perhaps more than ever. In the east of our continent, the people of Ukraine are now fighting for their freedom and dignity.
In this context, I would like to highlight South Africa's efforts to involve Africa in resolving this conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa played a key role in organising the recent mission of a group of several presidents and senior African representatives to Ukraine and Russia.
I believe that taking part in this mission has helped our African partners to better understand the true nature of the conflict. They had a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the situation in Ukraine and compare it with the false propaganda Russian are trying to spread.
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of developing relations with South Africa for my country. South Africa is our key partner on the continent with whom we want to develop our relationship in all relevant areas. I will do my utmost to contribute to this.
We can base our cooperation on a solid foundation of shared experience with living under oppression, our support for human rights and the struggle for freedom and its promotion everywhere in the world.
Thank you.
The speech was held at reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of South Africa on 27 June 2023 in Prague.