The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Friendship Medal of Diplomacy was awarded July 5 to Martin Podstavek, head of Slovak Economic and Cultural Office Taipei, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening Taiwan-Slovakia relations.
Conferred by MOFA Deputy Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng, the medal reflects deep-seated appreciation of the government and people for the outgoing representative’s tireless efforts in expanding bilateral exchanges across a broad spectrum of areas, the ministry said.
During Podstavek’s five-year term, he advanced cooperation in the fields of culture, education, law and trade, the MOFA said. Highlights include an exhibition on Count Maurice Benyovszky’s Yilan experiences in 1771 at Lanyang Museum in the northeastern Taiwan county, as well as arrangements on judicial cooperation in civil, commercial and criminal matters, the ministry added.
In his acceptance speech, Podstavek said he is moved to receive the honor, adding that the warm hospitality and friendship of the people experienced while in Taiwan will long remain in his heart.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Deputy Minister Tseng presented Martin Podstavek, outgoing @SlovakiainTWN representative, with the Grand Medal of Diplomacy for significantly strengthening #Taiwan-#Slovakia ties. We thank our country’s friend for his exemplary efforts & wish him every success for the future.”
Source: Taiwan.gov.tw
