Joint Czech-Slovak Event in Pretoria Marking 20 Years of Independence
28.09.2013 / 17:00 | Aktualizováno: 02.03.2018 / 08:53
On 16 September 2013 the Embassy of the Czech Republic and Embassy of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with the University of Pretoria (Department of Political Sciences) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) organized a panel discussion titled "Peaceful democratic transitions: the Czech and Slovak experiences". Keynote speakers were Dr. Jakub Landovský from the Institute of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague, and Dr. John Maré, former South African diplomat and currently a Special Advisor for the Brussels-based FIPRA International network of public affairs consultants.
In 2013 the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic mark 20 years of their independence. The negotiated split of former Czechoslovakia on 31 December 1992 remains an example of peaceful conflict resolution. Both countries continued on the path of political and economic transformation after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime in 1989, on the basis of the reforms undertaken in the early 1990s in Czechoslovakia. Today they are fully integrated members of the European Union, NATO and OECD and enjoy very close and friendly relations. The year 2013 is also the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the independent Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and South Africa.
Dr. Yolanda Spies from the Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria was the Programme Director of the event that took place at the Graduate Centre, University of Pretoria. Opening remarks were delivered by both Ambassadors. The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Ms. Blanka Fajkusová, recalled two outstanding statesmen, Presidents Václav Havel and Nelson Mandela, and gave an overview of successful developments in last 20 years, emphasizing major economic reforms. Dr. Jakub Landovský focused on the current state of society in the three countries 20 years since the democratic changes. He drew interesting parallels between the Czech and Slovak Republics (transformation after the totalitarian regime) and South Africa (transformation after the apartheid). Dr. John Maré welcomed the successful regional integration of the Czech and Slovak Republics which should stand as inspiration for African countries. Chief Executive of SAIIA, Ms. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, summarized the discussion and lessons learned from the negotiated split of Czechoslovakia.
To present history of the two independent states since their separation in 1993, the Embassies of the Czech and Slovak Republics displayed two respective exhibitions at the premises. In closing, the guests were invited to enjoy drinks and refreshment at an informal reception.
Enclosed is the invitation for the panel discussion with CVs of keynote speakers, remarks delivered by the Czech and Slovak Ambassadors and Dr. Maré and a number of photos.