Dr. Hou presents a transferware of the Taiwan blue magpie as a commemorative gift to David Steinke, the Czech representative (left) who has a special fondness for the bird.

David Steinke, Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, visited Dr. Yu-Ih Hou, New Taipei City Mayor, today (30th). Both engaged in profound discussions on various issues such as educational exchanges, industrial chain integration, and arts and cultural cooperation, in hopes to foster more concrete collaboration plans based on both nations' close friendship. Steinke also shared his emotional experience of visiting and giving talks at schools in New Taipei City, expressing his deep impression of the vibrancy shown by teachers and students alike.
 
Dr. Hou first thanked Steinke for his contributions in promoting Taiwan-Czech relations during his tenure, as well as the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei for its enthusiastic participation in local activities in New Taipei City. He especially commended the office for supporting the Secretariat's recent Ambassadors on Campus program. Dr. Hou said that education represents the most steadfast building block of international exchange. By having diplomats visit schools and share their experiences, students can broaden their global perspectives without having to go abroad. Currently, several New Taipei high schools have student exchange programs with schools from the Czech Republic. In addition, Zhengyi Elementary School in Sanchong District will also visit the Czech Republic next month for exchanges and to establish a sister school relationship. The aim is to extend the friendship to cooperation in vocational education and top talent training in the future.
 
As for industrial and cultural cooperation, Dr. Hou recalled that when he led a delegation to the Czech Republic last September, he visited the Business and Investment Development Agency CzechInvest and toured CTi Cable's plant in the country. He felt deeply impressed by the Czech Republic's strength in smart manufacturing. Emphasizing that New Taipei City has a strong information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics manufacturing cluster, he hopes to match more excellent Czech companies to participate in the New Taipei City International Trade Fair in the future. In addition, with regard to the Sanying Cultural and Creative Integration Project, Dr. Hou also hopes that the Czech Republic's world-renowned crystal craftsmen can engage in an aesthetic dialogue with Yingge's ceramic artists, and that more Czech cultural resources will be introduced into the future New Taipei City Second Main Library.
 

A group photo taken to commemorate the visit

During the visit, Steinke extended his gratitude to the New Taipei City Government for its warm hospitality. He mentioned his experience of giving talks at Touqian Junior High School in Xinzhuang District at the end of last year, as well as Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School in Xizhi District this month. He was deeply touched and impressed by the hearty reception and genuine interaction with the teachers and students. In addition, he expressed his excitement about more bilateral exchange opportunities brought about by the new Taipei-Prague direct flight, and praised New Taipei's industrial momentum and cultural heritage. Steinke also said that before stepping down, he will continue to promote school matchmaking, business collaboration, and arts and cultural cooperation to foster mutual development. Martina Rubešková, Deputy Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, was another distinguished guest in attendance. Hui-Mei Juh, Director General of the Secretariat; Hsiao-Jung Sheng, Commissioner of the Economic Development Department; and Ming-Wen Chang, Commissioner of Education Department from New Taipei City Government were also present.