This is reported by Kyiv24
The meeting between Deputy Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko and Czech Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Zhiga took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. This occurred against the backdrop of recent controversial statements made by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Tomio Okamura, regarding Ukraine.
Strategic Partnership and Expectations for Dialogue
During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues concerning the development of strategic partnership between Ukraine and the Czech Republic. According to the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Heorhiy Tyhyi, the discussion emphasized the need for a constructive approach and the preservation of principles of mutual respect and dignity in bilateral relations. The Ukrainian side highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of cooperation and expressed hopes for the activation of dialogue between the foreign ministries of both countries.
“The importance of a constructive approach to Ukrainian-Czech strategic partnership, which is based on mutual benefit and should continue to uphold the principles of mutual respect and dignity, was emphasized.”
As reported by the ministry, a phone conversation between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and the Czech Republic is scheduled for the near future. Positive outcomes for the development of bilateral relations are expected from this conversation.
Repercussions Following Tomio Okamura’s Statements
The meeting at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry took place after Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura criticized Ukraine in his New Year’s speech, once again opposing the provision of weapons to it. His remarks provoked a sharp reaction both in Kyiv and among the Ukrainian diaspora in the Czech Republic. The Ukrainian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, called Okamura’s statements unacceptable and noted that they bear signs of Russian propaganda influence.
Following this, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the Czech Chargé d’Affaires for clarification. In response to Okamura’s statements, the Czech opposition initiated a review of his position as Speaker of Parliament. For his part, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Matzinka criticized the reaction of the Ukrainian ambassador, emphasizing the inappropriateness of publicly assessing the statements of a high-ranking official from another country.
It is worth noting that after Okamura was elected Speaker, the Ukrainian flag was removed from the Czech Parliament building, and the Czech opposition displayed alternative flags of their political clubs. Additionally, in December, a new government in the Czech Republic led by Andrej Babiš was sworn in, which is expected to pursue a less pro-Ukrainian policy compared to the previous government of Petr Fiala. Babiš’s party advocates for reducing support for Ukraine, including a refusal to supply weapons to Kyiv.