On 4 June 2018, the first meeting of the Czech honorary consuls to Canada took place at The National Club in Toronto. The lunch ceremony was attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic led by the Deputy Minister of Legal and Consular Affairs, Martin Smolek, who thanked the honorary consuls on behalf of the Czech Republic for their work. Guests of honour attending the meeting included the honorary consul of Thailand and the prominent Czech countryman, Mr. George Heller.

 

Photo © Czech Embassy in Ottawa

From left: J. Steinsky, J. Reed, G. Heller, M. Smolek (Czech Deputy Foreign Minister), P. Hrnčíř (Czech Ambassador), D. Müller (Economic Counsellor of the Consulate General in Toronto), K. Vovková (Head of the Consular Department of the Czech Foreign Ministry)

The Czech Embassy in Ottawa has expanded the number of honorary consuls to Canada from two to seven over the past three years. The candidates for the honorary consulates in Halifax and Winnipeg have already begun their approval process. The aim of the Czech Embassy is to open honorary consulates in each province of Canada. Through its honorary consuls, the Czech Republic will be able to some extent assist the expatriate community, help deepen economic ties and strengthen relations between the Canadian provinces and the Czech Republic.

 

Photo © Czech Embassy in Ottawa

Left to right:  M. Svoboda (Director of the Economic Diplomacy Department), G. Heller, P. Hrnčíř (Czech Ambassador), J. Dvořáček, D. Müller, M. Smolek (Czech Deputy Foreign Minister), K. Vovková, J. Steinsky, L. Storzer, H. Žikovský, E. Jungmannová, G. Corcoran, J. Reed, V. Hlas, J. Borcel, K. Galland, J. Jelinek, I. Počuch (Consul General), P. Kaván (Head of the Americas Department), D. Nový