Secretary-General Julie Bynens and Aleš Chmelař, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic signed on 27 April in Prague a new cooperation programme for the period 2022-2024.
As previous, this new work programme reflects the extent and versatility of the cooperation between the Czech Republic and Flanders. Various initiatives in the area of logistics and trade were on the agenda, including the invitation of Czech experts to Flanders. Climate and environment were also discussed in detail.
In addition to cooperation around the Arboretum in Tervuren and in the area of environmental education, especially for young people, the focus will also be on pre-school education and family care. A fixed theme in the bilateral work programme is cultural cooperation, including participation in film festivals, cooperation in amateur theatre and libraries, and the exchange of experience in heritage policy.
The Czech Republic is an important partner for Flanders in several areas. For the Flemish ports and trade, it is an important gateway to the East. Its innovative economy has much to offer. There are extensive departments of Dutch language and literature at the universities and the Czech museums have outstanding collections of Flemish art from the 16th and 17th centuries. During her two-day visit, Secretary-General Bynens had the honour of opening the recently renovated hall with the masterpiece "Haymaking" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the Lobkowicz Palace. Both the renovation of the hall as the digital study of the painting were carried out with financial support from Flanders.
Secretary-General Bynens and the Flemish delegation were assisted during their visit by Diplomatic Representative Koen Haverbeke.
Delegation of Flanders in the Czech Republic
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic press release
House of Lobkowicz - Prague
Inside Bruegel - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien