François Chih Chung Wu
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 21, 2024
(As Delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
It is a great honor for me to introduce you to an outstanding political leader, the Honorable Eduard Heger. Mr. Heger has held many senior positions in the administration of the Slovak Republic, including finance minister and prime minister.
Throughout Mr. Heger’s extraordinary political career, he has spearheaded reforms and policies that have benefited all sectors of Slovak society. His public service has been marked by an unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, transparency, and social justice.
From 2021 to 2023, then Prime Minister Heger guided Slovakia through major international and domestic crises. He skillfully led the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting the health and safety of the Slovak people while keeping the economy strong. Mr. Heger was also a pillar of strength following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In his previous role as minister of finance, Mr. Heger implemented reforms to improve government fiscal responsibility and promote transparency. His background in economics proved invaluable as he navigated fiscal turbulence and launched initiatives that transformed the Slovak economy.
Mr. Heger’s proven record is underpinned by his devotion to the values of democracy and the rule of law. He is a long-standing advocate of robust anticorruption measures, good governance, and strong democratic institutions. His principled leadership has earned him high respect both at home and abroad.
Widely praised for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service, Mr. Heger is a leader who is inspired by a genuine desire to uplift his nation and people. He continues to work to ensure that Slovakia remains a beacon of democracy and progress in Europe.
As a keen advocate for freedom around the world, Mr. Heger is a natural friend of Taiwan. He has made significant contributions to bilateral cooperation, visiting Taiwan as a member of parliament in 2017 and actively supporting the development of ties between Taiwan and Slovakia during his tenure as prime minister.
Today, Mr. Heger will share his wealth of experience in international relations. His speech will explore strategies to reduce geopolitical tensions and highlight the importance of cooperation to advance shared interests in response to global challenges and conflicts. Shaped by his years of dedicated service and deep engagement in diplomatic affairs, Mr. Heger’s remarks are sure to provide us with profound insights into the current world situation.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a warm round of applause to Mr. Heger. Thank you.