Embassy in Syria to be headed by Vítězslav Pivoňka, former ambassador to Russia

The Czech Embassy in Damascus, Syria will be headed by the former ambassador to Russia Vítězslav Pivoňka, in the role of chargé d'affaires, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a press release on Friday. Minister Jan Lipavský said on Czech Television on Thursday that Czechia has resumed the activities of its embassy in Syria. Czechia has served as the protecting power for the US and other countries’ interests in Syria since 2012 when many states closed their embassies.

"New history is being written in Syria today for the entire region. Being there is a professional challenge for me and I honor all the responsibility," said Pivoňka. Eva Filipi left her position as ambassador to Syria in October last year after thirteen years. Roman Masařík has been the head of the embassy as chargé d'affaires since last June.