The meeting was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Lipavský, who welcomed the honorary consuls at the Czernin Palace. "Let me first of all thank you for your dedicated work and tireless efforts to represent and create a positive image of Czechia in the countries of your competence. I am very pleased to welcome almost 170 honorary consuls in Prague today," said Minister Lipavský at the beginning of the meeting. The Czech diplomatic service currently has 230 functioning Czech honorary consulates around the world.

The Minister also appreciated the irreplaceable role of honorary consulates in the Czech foreign service. The scope of work they perform as an honorary and unpaid function ranges from assisting Czech citizens who find themselves in need abroad, to supporting and developing bilateral political and trade relations, to developing cultural, inter-university and scientific relations and activities in compatriot organisations, including teaching Czech. "It can be expected that due to the increasing number of Czech travellers, as well as the worsened security situation, your assistance will be needed even more often. Another important task is also to strengthen economic diplomacy. Your knowledge of local markets and valuable contacts are priceless to us. Together with the embassies, you ensure that Czech products and technologies find their place on global markets, making Czechia an attractive destination for foreign investors," said the head of Czech diplomacy.

This year, honorary consuls from 90 countries are attending the meeting. Last year and this year several new honorary consulates were opened in Aqaba, Jordan, Rzeszów, Poland, Monrovia, Liberia, Cotonou, Benin, Lilongwe, Malawi, Lefkada, Greece and Thimphu, Bhutan. Temporarily closed honorary consulates have been reopened, including Nuuk in Greenland, Vitória in Brazil and Vancouver in Canada.

During the meeting, the honorary consuls will meet with Prime Minister Petr Fiala and were received by Senate President Miloš Vystrčil.

The tradition of meetings of honorary consuls representing Czechia around the world dates back to 2008, when their first meeting took place. Every five to six years since then, they have met regularly in Prague.