Istana Press Release

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Your Excellency Lord Mayor Jan Koukal [Yahn Koo-kahl]

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Singapore delegation, I would like to thank the people of the City of Prague for the very warm welcome. You have greatly honoured me by presenting me the keys to this beautiful city.

Many have sung praises about the beauty of Prague. Goethe called it the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world. I now appreciate why this city fully deserves the accolades.

The architecture of Prague is both imposing and moving. The soaring Gothic spires were not merely an architectural triumph that reached new heights. They also expressed the religious sentiments of the Czech people and their desire for the ideal, and for perfect beauty.

Prague is not only a city full of history. I believe it is also a city of the future. The Czech Republic has emerged as a strong and stable nation. Prague is the centre for trade and commerce in Central and Eastern Europe. I have no doubts that Prague will continue to flourish with creativity and energy in the next millenium.

Mr Mayor, I would like to invite you and the people of Prague to visit Singapore. This would give us a chance to reciprocate the warm hospitality that you have extended to me and my delegation. Once again, Mr Mayor, I thank you for honouring me with the keys to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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