Ambassador Tomáš Dub handed over his Letters of Credence in Wellington, New Zealand
14.05.2019 / 06:46 | Aktualizováno: 18.07.2022 / 11:01
By doing so became the new non-resident Ambassador of the Czech Republic to New Zealand.The handing over of credentials into the hands of the Governor General of New Zealand, Lee Reddy, took place precisely according to protocol.
To begin with, the Head of Mission took part in a welcoming ceremony with the original inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, in the garden of the Governor General’s residence. Both parties then gave speeches inside the residence. In her speech, the Governor General acknowledged mutual relations and called attention to the significance of immigration for New Zealand. Following her speech a small polite discussion took place.
During this discussion with the new Czech Ambassador, the Governor General mentioned her recent personal visit to Prague and expressed her desire to return. She also mentioned the prepared FTA between New Zealand and the EU and expressed her desire for the Head of Mission to regularly visit New Zealand, in light of the fact that the embassy is a non-resident embassy.
As part of preparations for the ceremonial handing over of credentials, an instructional film was played, starring former Czech Ambassador to New Zealand, Hynek Kmoníček, as the main character. Seeing as the recording from the current handing over of credentials ceremony will be used to create a new instructional film, the tradition of the Czech Ambassador featuring in these films will live on.
During his trip, the Czech Ambassador met with the director of the division of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is responsible for the Czech Republic. Director Taylor mentioned growing Czech export and the success and popularity of Škoda cars in the local market. Also, given the importance of tourism for the New Zealand economy, he mentioned the continued interest of Czech tourists in visiting New Zealand.
In this respect, the Head of Mission acknowledged the working holiday agreement, which is a vital factor in increasing the allure of New Zealand in the eyes of young people.
Director Taylor also mentioned the Czech ex-pat community, noting that it is an integral part of New Zealand society.