Slovak ambassador reflects on Velvet Revolution anniversary

Slovak Ambassador to Korea Marek Repovsky gives a speech during the Slovak National Day event in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Speaking at an event commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, Slovak Ambassador to Korea Marek Repovsky underscored the enduring values of democracy and freedom that Korea and Slovakia both cherish.

The ambassador recalled the night before the Velvet Revolution when he attended a massive demonstration in the center of the city of Kosice, Slovakia, akin to those in other cities, where three-quarters of the population participated despite the cold.

"This is one of the snapshots of my recollection of Nov. 27, when the so-called Velvet Revolution (was) started by our students. On Nov. 17, at the demonstration, the key slogan we shouted was 'The end of government of one party, democracy, freedom.' We jingled with the keys as a symbolic wake-up call."

The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful, nonviolent transition of power in Czechoslovakia that took place from Nov. 17 to Dec. 29, 1989. This revolution led to the end of 41 years of communist rule.

Repovsky emphasized that the values they fought for during the Velvet Revolution have become the very essence of Slovakia.

"When Slovakia was born on Jan. 1, 1993, a totalitarian Czechoslovak Republic was divided into two democratic states. This is why the date of the fight for freedom and democracy holds equal importance in our history as the day of the establishment of the Slovak Republic."

Drawing parallels to contemporary issues, Repovsky highlighted the ongoing global struggles for freedom, human rights and peace.

"These values which we fought for are equally important in today's world as we see much suppression of human rights and religio(us) tensions, even ongoing wars. In such situations, it is appreciated that people, regions and states with similar value-based backgrounds stick together in addressing these challenges."

He lauded the strong partnership between Korea and Slovakia, noting their shared experiences and values.

"We in Europe, and particularly in Slovakia, are happy that we found such a friend and partner in the Republic of Korea, which has its own experience with the fight for freedom and democracy," Repovsky said.

Reflecting on bilateral relations that span 31 years, Repovsky recounted the arrival of the first Korean companies, such as Hyundai Mobis, to Slovakia some 20 years ago.

"Since then, our economic cooperation has steadily grown. Today, Slovakia has become a second home for more than a hundred Korean companies and numerous Korean families. Equally, our value-based partnership has grown to today's strategic partnership, as confirmed during Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Korea and his meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol in September of this year," he said.

Repovsky also highlighted the broader scope of bilateral cooperation, extending beyond political and economic areas to include cultural exchanges and student programs. "We are looking forward to enhancing our partnership with the Republic of Korea in the years to come even further."