Lipavský: helping abroad is investment in Czechia's security as well as demonstration of goodwill

Improving the living conditions of people abroad is not only a sign of goodwill but also an investment in Czechia's own security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said in his opening speech on National Development Day, taking place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Czechia has a long-standing tradition of helping abroad and plays an active role in creating stability in various regions around the world, he said, mentioning Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as examples.

President Petr Pavel, who also took part in the event, echoed Mr. Lipavský's sentiments and also said that Czechs had demonstrated through their generosity in donating to charity collections and fundraisers that they cared about helping others. He referenced the extraordinary wave of solidarity towards Ukrainian refugees in particular.