As is tradition, on the occasion of the Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy and the International Students' Day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy at the Czernin Palace.

"Today's ceremony is primarily a thank you. It is a thank you to you, the laureates. It is you who have strengthened relations between Czechia and the world through your work and determination. Thanks to you, our country is perceived as a trusted and respected partner. You help us to co-create a good image of Czechia in the world," said Minister Jan Lipavský at the beginning of the ceremony.

With this award, the Czech diplomatic chief expressed his gratitude to the laureates for the excellent work they do on behalf of Czechia, for deepening friendly relations with other countries and for strengthening the prestige of Czechia in the world. In addition to the laureates, their relatives and guests, the ceremony was attended by representatives of the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, the Government and diplomatic representatives of a number of countries.

In previous years, the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy was awarded to Madeline Albright, Karel Schwarzenberg, Magdalena Vašáryová and Michael Žantovský. This year, the following laureates have joined their ranks:

Thomas BAGGER, Germany

• for his long-term support and personal commitment to the process of Czech-German understanding

Veronika BÍLKOVÁ, Czechia

• for her outstanding contribution in the field of international law and human rights.

Dana DRÁBOVÁ, Czechia

• for outstanding contribution to the promotion of Czech science in the international environment

Financial Analytical Office, Czechia

• for his significant role in the fight against money laundering, the prevention of terrorist financing and the implementation of international sanctions

Jamie Mark FLY, United States of America

• for outstanding contributions to the advocacy of human rights around the world

Tomáš GRULICH, in memoriam, Czechia

• for outstanding contribution to improving and deepening relations between the Czech state and the Czech diaspora worldwide

Jiří GRUNTORÁD, Czechia

• for his extraordinary and lifelong contribution to the fight against totalitarianism and to the development of democracy

Edib JAGANJAC, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• for outstanding work in the field of humanitarian and medical aid

Věra JOUROVÁ, Czechia

• for outstanding contribution to Czech and European diplomacy

Igor LUKEŠ, United States of America

• for lifetime contribution to the development of Czech-American relations

Petr MAREŠ, Czechia

• for lifetime contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy

MEDEVAC and the Permanent On-Site Assistance Programme, Czechia

• for outstanding contribution to saving lives and protecting human rights

Martin PALOUŠ, Czechia

• for lifetime contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy

Pavel TELIČKA, Czechia

• for lifetime contribution to the development of Czech diplomacy

György VARGA, Hungary

• for his lifelong contribution and extraordinary personal commitment to the development of Czech-Hungarian relations.

Vienna Free Press, Austria

• for his long-term contribution to the development of Czech-Austrian relations and the Czech expatriate community.