A memorandum of understanding was signed by the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) and the Museum of Czech Literature at the Taiwan Literature Base on Oct. 16, demonstrating the dedication of both parties to mutual exchanges.
Nikky Lin (林巾力), the Director of NMTL, said that following the initiation of the Taiwan Brand Campaign by the Ministry of Culture (MOC), NTML staged the “On the Road to Freedom – A Special Exhibition on Taiwanese Literature” in the Czech cities of Brno, Olomouc, and Pardubice last year. She added that this collaborative effort will be continued by exhibiting Czech literature in NMTL’s headquarters in Tainan as well as during the opening of its Taipei branch.
In response, Zdeněk Freisleben, the Director of the Museum of Czech Literature, mentioned that they had gained a general understanding of Taiwanese literature from books sent by NTML long before the partnership between the Czech Republic and Taiwan was forged during the International Council of Museums’ general conference in Prague last year. He said that both countries have the similarities in history and politics during the transition to democracy, believing that, as literature brings people hope and freedom, this partnership between the two nations will offer a bright prospect.
As a witness to the signing ceremony, Kuei Yeh-chin (桂業勤), director-general of the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Cultural Exchange, said that the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague was established earlier this year in order to actively promote Taiwanese culture in the Czech community. Supported by MOC, NMTL has been touring Europe and sharing Taiwanese literature with local readers, he added.
David Steinke, head of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, mentioned that Taiwan and the Czech Republic have been partners for 30 years. He noted that the direct flight from Taipei to Prague launched in July this year will foster a direct exchange of business and culture for the people of both sides.