“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces with great sadness that Jakub Dürr, the Czech ambassador to Poland, died suddenly today. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.” resort said.

Dürr had an illustrious diplomatic and political career. She will be ambassador to Poland from 2021, having previously worked as the Czech Republic’s permanent representative to the European Union. Previously, he also served as deputy to the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of my esteemed colleague Jakub Dürr, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Poland.. He did a lot for Czech diplomacy not only in Poland, in the past he tirelessly promoted our interests in the European Union, he devoted himself ardently to European affairs even at headquarters. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones,” said Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.

According to the department, Dürr was a born diplomat, one of the most respected and popular wherever he went. “She had a talent for suppressing discord and distrust, she was open, kind and positive, people of different opinions and orientations not only recognized her, but also liked her. She did not hesitate to go further in helping the weak and persecuted, the country and individual.” describe the ministry. “In him we have lost not only a colleague, but also an extraordinary and honest person,” he added.

In the fall, Dürr gave an interview to Blesk Zprávám, in which he praised the relationship between the Czech and Polish governments. He also praised Poland’s response to the war in Ukraine. “I was in Poland and I saw the reaction of the Polish people which was absolutely amazing, and I’m not exaggerating. Poles, as they like to say, have open doors as well as their hearts. Whatever cottage or apartment they had was suddenly usable,” he describes how he felt the start of the war.

Nerudova could not believe it

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) said he was deeply affected by the news. “I know him as a student, an academic colleague, and a successful diplomat with whom I have worked.” said the prime minister.

“I am very sorry. Jakub is a great person and a diplomat. Sincere condolences to a loved one,” responding to the report of the former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jana Malačová (ČSSD).

Her ex-husband Aleš Chmelař, permanent representative of the Czech Republic in the OECD, is also sad. “I can’t believe it. Few are capable of doing their job with that level of humanity and kindness. The Czech Republic and Europe have lost a top diplomat. Hundreds of people, including my friend and one of my closest associates. He will be missed by everyone. My sincere condolences, especially to his family and loved ones,” he said.

Failed presidential candidate Danuše Nerudová was also shocked. “There are reports I refuse to believe. He did not hesitate to oppose (as one of the few) AB’s (Andreje Babiš, editor’s note) approach to the presidency. It made him lose ground. He is also very helpful to us academics in Brussels. My condolences to the family.” he wrote.

“I know the Ambassador very well. He is a great person and a great professional. He supports Ukraine a lot – both personally and as a diplomat. This is a big loss for Czech diplomacy and for me personally. my condolences,” former Ukrainian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Jevhen Perebyjnis, commented on the sad news.

“I’m really in shock,” said MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (KDU-ČSL).

Morawiecki said he was still young

Politicians in Poland also reacted to the news. “It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of Jakub Dürr, the Czech ambassador to Poland. An excellent diplomat, he worked hard for Polish-Czech relations. He died so suddenly, at such a young age. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace,” Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki wrote on Twitter.

Polish Foreign Minister Rau wrote on Twitter in Polish and Czech that he received the news of Dürr’s death “with great sadness”. “A few days ago, we jointly celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and the Czech Republic,” stated “I will remember him as a very professional diplomat and a friendly person who contributed to the strengthening of Polish-Czech relations. My sincere condolences to the ambassador’s family and friends,” added the head of Polish diplomacy.

Poland’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, Mateusz Gniazdowski, wrote that he had left “a great colleague and esteemed diplomat, a sincere friend of Poland”. “Jakub is a great professional and, above all, a good person and friend,” wrote European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová.

Many colleagues or former diplomats or journalists working in Brussels also offered their condolences. The news was also reported by a number of Polish media, including the PAP news agency, the daily Gazeta Wyborcza and the weekly Wprost.