Secretariat, Taipei City Government

On June 4, 2026, Taipei Mayor Wan-An Chiang met with President of the Senate of the Czech Republic Miloš Vystrčil at the Taipei City Hall. The two exchanged views on city-to-city cooperation, smart city development, education, and social welfare, and extended invitations for future visits.

Mayor Chiang welcomed President Vystrčil on his return to Taiwan and recalled their joint unveiling of the Havel’s Place in Daan Forest Park on June 3. He added that this installation not only commemorates the spirit of former Czech President Václav Havel but also symbolizes the deep friendship and shared values of freedom and democracy between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. President Vystrčil noted that he was very grateful to the Taipei City Government for its assistance in establishing this memorial and was delighted that Taiwan’s first Havel’s Place has been installed in Taipei.

During the meeting, Mayor Chiang added that since the sister-city relationship between Taipei and Prague was established in 2020, the two cities have made major achievements together in areas such as pandemic cooperation, animal conservation, culture and music, education, and smart cities. One of these achievements is the Taipei Zoo’s transfer of pangolins to the Prague Zoo, which has resulted in successful breeding and has become a focus of public attention, demonstrating the conservation achievements of the two cities. President Vystrčil responded that the pangolins provided by the Taipei Zoo are deeply loved by the people of Prague and have become one of Prague Zoo's most popular attractions.

Mayor Chiang pointed out that STARLUX Airlines will join other airlines offering direct flights to Prague in August 2026 and that exchanges between Taipei and Prague are expected to become more convenient and closer in the future. President Vystrčil also invited Mayor Chiang to visit Prague and the senate and pointed out that he looked forward to both leaders meeting again.

President Vystrčil noted that during this trip, he led an industry delegation to visit Metro Taipei’s Beitou Depot and experienced Taipei's MRT system firsthand. He noticed that Metro Taipei has successfully integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and he believed that both sides have great potential for cooperation in the rail transportation industry. He also noted that Europe remains cautious toward technologies such as facial recognition, resulting in slower development. In response, Mayor Chiang asserted that to address this concern, the Taipei City Government took the initiative in issuing the Taipei City Government Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence before developing any AI municipal services. This initiative encouraged all city government agencies to develop AI municipal services in accordance with these guidelines and contributed to the enhancement of technology to make life more convenient while focusing on personal data protection, such as privacy rights. Mayor Chiang also noted to President Vystrčil that after Taipei’s efforts to secure NVIDIA’s overseas headquarters, city government agencies are planning to continue introducing more AI applications into municipal services in the future.

During the meeting, President Vystrčil expressed his interest in Taipei’s free nutritious lunch policy. Mayor Chiang explained that in addition to easing families' financial burden, this policy emphasizes nutritional balance and taste while reducing food waste. It also combines local agricultural and fishery products and the Milk for Every Student program to improve students’ health. President Vystrčil praised the appeal of this policy and added that he intended to share this experience with the Mayor of Prague.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Chiang provided President Vystrčil with a hand-drawn map of Taipei and a Taiwanese tea gift box. President Vystrčil in turn presented Mayor Chiang with a Prague photobook, a senate commemorative crystal plaque, and a commemorative silver medal of the patron saint “Saint Wenceslas on Horseback.” The meeting concluded with a group photo in a warm and cordial atmosphere.