PRAGUE, Czech Republic 

Stopping Russia's aggression in Ukraine is critical to the country's interests, Czech Republic President Petr Pavel has said in a meeting with his ambassadors stationed in different countries and also expressed his concerns over Moscow's and Beijing's growing influence in the international community. 

“Stopping and, above all, the failure of Russian aggression is our vital interests. The Czech Republic's reconstruction efforts are also helping Ukraine's healthcare and energy sectors, which have been severely tested. Czech can often help in areas where others do not dare,” Pavel was quoted by the local newspaper iDNES.cz as saying on Tuesday.

The three-day ambassadors meeting began on Tuesday in Prague, with the president expressing his concerns over Moscow and Beijing's growing global influence, saying: “First and foremost, Russia, as well as China and other actors, are increasingly influencing the policies of the countries of the so-called global South.”

He urged the prevention of Russia's interpretation of the war in Ukraine to dispel the myth that autocratic governments can protect the international community's interests.

Pavel said the Czech foreign policy should ensure that rules do not cease to apply in the global order and that the rule of the strong does not circumvent the rule of law.

It is in the Czech Republic's best interests to continue supporting Ukraine in all aspects and to strive for just and lasting peace, he reiterated.

The Czech Republic, a member of the EU and NATO, has maintained a strong anti-Russian stance in reaction to the war in Ukraine. Like many other Western nations, the Czech Republic has provided military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022.