Ladies and Gentlemen, Professor Snyder, Mr Director, Friends of the Václav Havel Library, Distinguished Guests,

As the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, it is my duty do advocate for our nation’s interests on the global stage.

Sadly, the world is not in a good state right now, with the rules-based order crumbling under the pressure of aggressive regimes.

Diplomacy is more demanding than ever.

While navigating our country through turbulent waters, I often turn to the insightful works of Professor Snyder for guidance.

My copy of The Road To Unfreedom – which Mr Professor so kindly signed for me in New York last year – holds a special place in my bookshelf.

Through his writings, Professor Snyder has illustrated how easily dangerous ideologies can lead to the collapse of democracies and the rise of dictatorships.

Our region is currently under threat from an aggressive dictator whose imperial ambitions stretch far beyond Ukraine.

Professor Snyder’s work reaches millions around the world, shedding light on the ongoing dangers posed by imperialist aspirations, specially from countries like Russia.

It also shows us why and how we should defend freedom and democracy.

In the United States and Europe, Professor Snyder has been inspiring us through books, lectures and articles.

For this reason, I wish to thank Professor Snyder his outstanding contributions to “public diplomacy.”

Professor, it is my great honour to present you with the Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy medal.

This award an expression of my thanks and personal admiration for your work.

Thank you very much.