Politicians come and go – people remain. This is the leitmotif that characterizes relations between Czechs and Slovaks and has withstood the test of time and circumstance for decades. We are truly two branches of the same tree, with strong roots that no disaster can uproot. Slovaks and Czechs are connected by a shared destiny, culture, linguistic proximity, and above all by family ties stronger than politics or borders.
These ideas resonated throughout the Jalta Hotel in Prague during the Czech–Slovak Diplomatic Evening, where prominent representatives from both sides of the Morava River gathered. The event, organized by STAR Production Director General Mária Reháková together with The Business Soirée publisher Peter Závodský, was held under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová and Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková.
Mária Reháková welcomed the guests on behalf of the weekly magazine Slovenka, which has traditionally served as a bridge connecting the two nations, particularly in the field of culture. “We have always sought to maintain our relations at an exceptional level. From the very beginning, Slovenka provided significant space to Czech artists as well as Slovak ones. After the creation of two independent republics, we maintained this mutual connection through the Golden Concert project, where the musical elite of our nations met on one stage. Now, together with The Business Soirée, we have created another partnership through which we will present not only artists but also other distinguished personalities who resonate on both the Czech and Slovak sides, helping ensure that their names are known in both our nations.” This sentiment was fully shared by The Business Soirée publisher Peter Závodský. “I come from Slovakia, but Prague has become my second home. I see it as Slovakia’s first capital city, partly because so many Slovaks live here and the Slovak language is not perceived as foreign. Our cultural cooperation is strong, but through The Business Soirée we are taking it even further, and through our future joint project, Davos House, we will elevate it several levels higher.”
Togetherness is more than just a word
Political leaders from both republics attended the Czech–Slovak Diplomatic Evening, but their words did not sound formal – they spoke from the heart. Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Tomio Okamura said: “It is very important to have someone close to you, someone you understand, someone who meets you halfway, and someone you know you can always turn to with confidence when needed. I see this even at the European level. In fact, it is an advantage that we are two countries because it means we have two votes. We, Czechs and Slovaks, are truly one large family – we belong together.” Alena Schillerová shares this sense of togetherness: “I come from Brno, and I always say that Bratislava is closer to us than Prague. We are not just neighbors; we are truly, without any cliché, brothers. I am happy that our relations have been renewed and that common sense, warmth, and openness have prevailed once again.” Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic Ladislav Kamenický emphasized in his remarks the importance of the good relations between our countries, which, after a brief interruption during the previous government, are now experiencing a renaissance. “Politicians come and go, but nations remain,” he said, highlighting the strong interconnectedness of Czechs and Slovaks within this geopolitical space. Similar sentiments were expressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Czech Republic Martin Muránsky, Chair of the Czech Republic–Slovakia Interparliamentary Group of Friendship in the Chamber of Deputies Radek Vondráček, and former Mayor of Prague Adriana Krnáčová.
Bonds that cannot be broken
“I belong to a generation that feels strong nostalgia for the former Czechoslovakia,” said Košice Mayor Jaroslav Poláček. “I have not forgotten that in primary school I learned to draw a different flag. I gladly accepted the invitation to this event because even today I met many friends here who, like me, honor the idea of mutual togetherness.” State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Transport Denisa Žiláková also feels at home in Prague. “I see this gathering as a pleasant and relaxing occasion, a moment when I am surrounded by friends. Prague is very close to my heart. I come here often, not least because my son studies at Charles University and because I have many friends here.”
What connects us, what enriches us
During the evening, both countries also presented unique destinations worth visiting and showcased the culture through which they enrich one another. The Slovak side highlighted exceptional tourist destinations such as Bardejov Spa and the still not fully discovered beauty of the Novohrad and Podpoľanie regions. On the Czech side, guests were able to admire the beauty of the legendary city of Prague with its hundred spires and its landmarks of global significance. The atmosphere of the evening was enhanced by the musical duo Andrea Zimányiová and Juraj Burian, who regularly perform in both countries. They delighted the audience with beautiful chansons by the immortal Edith Piaf. Another highlight was the fashion show by Slovak designer Jana Rychtáriková and her JILLO brand, whose creations could be admired on finalists of Miss Czech Republic. The success of the show was further enhanced by the artistry of Czech make-up artists from the Dr. Grandel team and Slovak hairstylists from the Lukas Bielka Hairdesigner team. Throughout the evening, artistic glassmaker Achilleas Sdoukos also successfully presented his work.
The event was hosted by the Czech–Slovak presenting duo Simona Simanová and Marek Kafka. And, of course, special thanks belong to the event’s partners for their support, particularly Slovakia Travel, as well as Centrivit, SPP, Sekyra Group, OOCR Novohrad and Podpoľanie, and Bardejov Spa.
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