Model Alena Šeredová has become an honorary consul in the Italian region of Piedmont, according to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Office spokeswoman Mariana Wernerová told ČTK on Friday that the ministry has established an honorary consulate in Turin since November, and the official opening is planned for the beginning of next year. 46 countries, including 16 EU member states, have honorary consulates in Turin, she added.
According to the ministry, the consulate will provide assistance to Czech citizens and support the economic, cultural, scientific and educational activities of the region. “Mrs. Alena Šeredová, who has lived in Italy for a long time and is an important figure in social and business events in the region, was appointed to the position of honorary consul,” said Wernerová.
She added that the performance of honorary consul is not a paid but an honorary position. For example, Šeredová cooperated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the information campaign for postal voting in this year’s parliamentary elections.
Šeredová (47) has been active in Italy for a long time, she is a recognized celebrity there, also thanks to her former marriage to national football goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Their son Louis Buffon plays for the Czech under-19 national team, in the recent initial phase of qualifying for the European Championship, he managed to score three goals twice.
According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the role of an honorary consul consists in voluntary activities for the benefit of the Czech Republic carried out under the leadership of the head of the diplomatic mission in the given country. Its main task is to promote the economic, commercial, scientific and cultural interests of the Czech Republic, to develop mutual relations in these areas and also to help Czech citizens, especially if they find themselves in need. Their task is also to contribute to the development of tourism and contacts between people.
Personalities who have been active in the given area for a long time, have experience in the functioning of local administration as well as economic and cultural life and have built up stable contacts in the country of their competence are selected for the position. The proposal for the appointment of an honorary consul and the establishment of his office is given by the embassy in the respective country. The Honorary Consul is appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the receiving state also has its say on the appointment.
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