Czech PM says foreign ministry urged pressure on Kazakhstan over Russia ties

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the country’s Foreign Ministry once asked him to pressure Kazakhstan to scale back its relations with Russia and China, describing the request as surprising and inappropriate.

Speaking in an interview with TV Nova, Babiš said he was “stunned” by the proposal, though he could not recall exactly who conveyed it. He suggested it may have originated from former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, whom he sharply criticided over his diplomatic approach, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

“I don’t even want to comment on Lipavský anymore. He’s a terrible disgrace abroad,” Babiš said, adding that Czech diplomats had taken a lecturing tone in their dealings with foreign partners.

The prime minister made the remarks while discussing what he described as deteriorating economic ties between the Czech Republic and China. He blamed previous governments for damaging relations, saying Prague now likely has “the worst relations with China among all EU and NATO countries.”

Asked whether his administration plans to repair ties with Beijing, Babiš said officials are still assessing the situation. He added that he is scheduled to meet the outgoing Chinese ambassador after returning from a visit to Armenia, where discussions could help clarify the next steps.

By Sabina Mammadli