On September 30, Ambassador Zhou Qian and his wife attended a reception hosted by the Embassy to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and mark the Ambassador’s arrival. The event was attended by over 500 guests, including Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Zuna and other dignitaries, diplomatic envoys accredited to the Czech Republic, as well as representatives of overseas Chinese, Chinese enterprises and Chinese students.

Ambassador Zhou noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Czech strategic partnership. As the new Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic, he said, he stands ready to work hand in hand with friends from all walks of life in the Czech Republic to elevate the China-Czech strategic partnership and practical cooperation between the two countries in all fields to a new level.

Mr. Babiš welcomed Ambassador Zhou on his new posting and said that the new Czech government stands ready to develop relations with China on the basis of dialogue, cooperation and mutual benefit, adding that he is glad bilateral relations are returning to the track of sound development.

Mr. Okamura said that mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs constitute an important foundation for the steady and sustained growth of Czech-China relations, expressing his confidence that Czech-China relations will continue to move forward.

The event unfolded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with guests extending best wishes for an even brighter future for China-Czech relations.