Lieutenant General Mgr. Bc. Tomáš Tuhý, Ph.D. MBA served in the Police of the Czech Republic, where
he held the position of Chief of Police between 2014 and 2018. Since 2018, he has served as Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Slovakia.
The 30th anniversary of establishing two independent states, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, is approaching. What is the level of relations today, and what are their priorities?
Relations between the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic have long been, historically — and I believe they will continue to be in the future — at an excellent level in all areas. Our shared history, and especially our shared experience of living together as one state formation, to some extent, shapes our present-day attitudes, including the focus of our foreign policy. The priorities of our mutual relations can be generalised as maintaining their current excellent level and further developing them. This year, our relations are, to some extent, defined by the priorities set by the Czech Republic for its Presidency of the EU Council and by the Slovak Republic for its Presidency of the Visegrad Cooperation. The highest priority at the moment is, of course, the safety of both countries. The fact that the first foreign trips of new constitutional officials are always to the other’s country is a clear sign of our mutual respect.
I believe, for example, that our recent unilateral decision relating to the fight against illegal migration, which was an emergency measure (namely, the reintroduction of checks on the Czech-Slovak border), found understanding on the Slovak side. This was eventually reflected in the actions of the Slovak Republic, which introduced similar measures on its border with Hungary.
Cooperation within the European Union, where the Czech Republic holds the presidency this half-year, is important. There are undoubtedly many common themes, but what is cooperation in the energy field like?
The energy sector is one of the priorities of the Czech Republic’s EU Presidency, demonstrated by the practical results of EU negotiations, not just at the highest level. The Czech Republic, together with Slovakia and Hungary, managed to negotiate exemptions from the EU sanctions package against Russia as a country still heavily dependent on energy imports from Russia. In addition to energy, the priorities of our countries, which largely coincide, include, in particular, the renewal or construction of transport infrastructure, petrochemicals, investment in environmental protection, as well as the application of innovative technologies and Industry 4.0. Slovakia is a key economic partner for the Czech Republic, the 4th largest trading partner, and the 2nd largest export market after Germany. The dynamics and potential of business cooperation are also evidenced by mutual investments of a number of Czech and Slovak companies.
Defence policy is an integral part of the relationship. Are there joint projects?
There has long been close and virtually continuous cooperation between our countries in the defence and security sectors. In May, the International Defence Exhibition Bratislava (IDEB) attracted Czech and Slovak political and military leaders in addition to Czech, Slovak, and other foreign exhibitors. The fair was an opportunity for the Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová and her Slovak counterpart Jaroslav Nadě to discuss further strategic cooperation. Our Embassy organised a very successful presentation of the Czech defence and security industry with Slovak partners in Bratislava within the framework of economic diplomacy projects, both at the government and business levels. We also include in the common defence policy the operation of a Czech Army unit in the forward military unit of NATO forces on the territory of Slovakia. The Czech team is commanding this multinational battle group at the request of the Slovak Government. The V4 Defence Ministers discussed strengthening defence cooperation between the V4 countries in Banská Štiavnica at the end of September.
Czechs and Slovaks are close not only in language but also in culture. Can mutual cultural exchange enrich us even today?
I believe that mutual cultural exchange is of lasting importance. Our countries embarked on an independent journey 30 years ago — all the more reason to make sure that we do not alienate ourselves culturally and retain the knowledge of our neighbouring country’s history, culture and language. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bratislava contributes to the development of culture, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the promotion of the teaching of the Czech language and literature in various ways. Our contributory organisation, the Czech Centre Bratislava, plays an important role in this respect, preparing — not only in cooperation with the Embassy — excellent projects, be it festivals, exhibitions, concerts, musical or literary evenings, various performances, or expert lectures. It also runs the Czech House with the “Czech Footprint” portal, where you can find information about Czech cultural activities in Slovakia. In tourism development, the CzechTourism agency does excellent work in Slovakia. The Embassy cooperates intensively with a number of clubs and associations, which it supports financially. The associations have branches all over Slovakia. I am delighted with the existence and activities of the Bratislava Czech Association. I am glad that young people are also involved in compatriot affairs — not least because this year is the European Year of Youth (EYY).
Thank you for the interview.
