ambassdaor remarks
Overview of U.S. - Czech Relations
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you today. As President Bush’s visit here earlier this week made clear, the U.S. and the Czech Republic have always been friends, and we are now also strategic partners in combating mutual threats, supporting the spread of democracy, and making the world a better place in the 21st century. The strong ties between our two countries date back to President Woodrow Wilson’s support for the founding of the independent Czechoslovakia, and successfully survived the strain of 40 years of Communist rule. However, it is the current era that has best demonstrated what our two countries can accomplish through mutual cooperation and vision. The United States considers the Czech Republic to be among our most valued partners in Europe.
When we look at the broad picture of U.S.-Czech relations, there is a recurring theme reflected across the broad spectrum of issues between our two countries. This theme arises from the fact that the Czech Republic, after completing its transition to a fully-functioning democracy and market economy, has stepped up efforts on the international stage. From Belarus to Cuba to Burma, the Czech Republic is using its own experience to assist other countries around the world in making a similar transition. Another example of the Czech commitment to fostering democratic transition is the fact that Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty is based in Prague. By hosting these voices that carry an important message of freedom of speech to their home societies, the Czech Republic makes a unique contribution to promoting liberty.
There is no question that the most important and compelling issue of mutual concern today is the threat of terrorism. The Czech Republic has been a stalwart ally in the face of this common threat. In countries from Indonesia, to Turkey, Spain and the Middle East, terrorists have shown that the United States is not their sole target; rather they seek to defeat the forces of democracy, religious tolerance, human rights and essential freedoms. The Czech authorities have done everything possible to enhance cooperation between our military, police and intelligence to stop terrorism and its proponents, including excellent contributions in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I am pleased that negotiations are underway between our two governments on missile defense, and that the Czech government is playing such an active role in ensuring European security.
The U.S. works cooperatively and well with the Czech Republic in NATO. In a way that many longer-standing members of the Alliance would do well to emulate, the Czech Republic has been grappling with the challenge of military reform, meeting spending targets, and focusing on specializations that will bring NATO some of the capabilities it needs most. The armed forces here completed a transition to a fully professional force ahead of plan, and Czech forces are now experienced, highly skilled, deployable, and NATO interoperable; crucial skills to have as we face the threats of the 21st century together.
The United States also works cooperatively with the Czech Republic as a strategic partner in the European Union. Czech accession to the EU was good news not just for the Czech Republic, but also for the U.S. We firmly believe that there is no contradiction between having a solid European identity and a strong transatlantic orientation; “More Europe does not mean less United States.” We work cooperatively and straightforwardly with the EU on a range of issues, from limiting arms sales to China, promoting human rights in Cuba, and engaging in the Middle East Peace Process. There is no group of countries in the world that shares the same fundamental values than the United States and the members of the European Union. The United States is certain that, by advocating its views as confidently and as skillfully as it has in NATO, the Czech Republic will help build a better, stronger EU.
The ability of the Czech Republic to lead will depend, among other things, on success in promoting transparency and fighting corruption. As a corporate lawyer for the past 25 years, transparency is a subject close to my heart. It’s an issue our Embassy devotes considerable energy to. I want to focus on this issue because it’s a challenge for every country – including the United States. Since we all struggle with it, I believe we should all talk about it. An open dialogue gives us a better chance to discover – together – solutions that work. We all share common goals of improving our economies, strengthening our countries and creating opportunity. I believe that improved transparency is part of the solution to accomplish those goals.
The Czech economy continues to grow at an impressive pace. Huge credit goes to Czech entrepreneurs, workers and researchers. They have been quick to embrace the benefits that arise from a free and open market economy. But unfortunately, the prosperity of today may be jeopardized tomorrow by lingering corruption and a nagging lack of transparency. Add to that high taxes, excessive bureaucracy, and labor market inflexibility. These are liabilities that could eventually outweigh the attractions that have led so many foreign investors to look to the Czech Republic since the early 1990s as a place to do business. Countries to the East are hungry for foreign investment. The Czech Republic can not afford complacency or status quo.
Let me end with a comment on visas. As President Bush said, we understand the importance of this issue. He is working with the U.S. Congress to add new members to our Visa Waiver Program. While I can’t give you an exact date when this will happen, I can say that I am extremely pleased with the close cooperation our two governments have had on this issue. We meet regularly to discuss border security and to ensure that the requirements for visa-free travel are transparent. Over 90 percent of Czech visa applicants receive a visa, and we issued 35,000 visas in 2006. Our consular section strives every day to provide fast, courteous service, including a new online application which eliminates the need for a paid phone line.
I will sum up by repeating that the Czech Republic is a valued friend and ally of the United States. Our goal is to continue building on both our friendship and our strategic partnership, with the Czech Republic as we tackle the challenges that face us in the 21st century. Thank you.
