Islamabad, 1 September 2023 (TDI): Tomáš Smetánka, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, paid a courtesy call to the caretaker Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, as he concludes his 47-month diplomatic assignment in the country.
During the productive meeting, Ambassador Smetánka and Foreign Minister Jilani expressed their utmost satisfaction with the existing bilateral ties.
They committed to strengthening economic ties, expanding trade and investment, fostering educational partnerships, promoting academic exchanges, and enhancing labor mobility from Pakistan to the Czech Republic.
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In addition to their discussions on bilateral matters, both leaders engaged in a comprehensive exchange of perspectives on pressing regional and global issues.
In his farewell remarks, Ambassador Tomáš Smetánka expressed his profound gratitude for the warmth and cooperation extended to him during his tenure in Pakistan.
He voiced his hope that the enduring bonds of friendship between the Czech Republic and Pakistan would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Ambassador Smetánka also conveyed his sentiments by employing the poignant Urdu expression ‘پھر ملیں گے’ (Phir Milenge), signifying his hopeful outlook on future gatherings.
Ambassador Smetánka’s Term Initiatives: Empowering Women and Collaboration
The Ambassador’s tenure in Pakistan was marked by significant initiatives that promoted gender equality, cultural exchange, and bilateral collaboration.
The Czech Embassy partnered with the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore to emphasize the role of women in society. It launched the “Heroines of Pakistan” web page, showcasing the achievements of Pakistani women from diverse fields.
This platform also acknowledged Czech women of distinction, fostering mutual recognition and cultural exchange.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic supported a “Training of Trainers” program to empower women’s rights defenders, highlighting their crucial role in protecting and promoting women’s rights.
Ambassador Smetánka facilitated a roundtable discussion with the Ladies Fund delegation at his residence, engaging dynamic women leaders from Pakistan in various fields.
This interactive session explored collaboration opportunities, bilateral trade prospects, and cultural exchange, strengthening the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Czech Republic.
Ambassador Smetánka’s tenure exemplified a commitment to empowering women and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.