Prague – The State Archives of Bari hosted a historical and cultural event on April 14, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The initiative was promoted by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Italy, the Czech Centre in Rome, the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Puglia, the Ministry of Culture, and the Military History Institute in Prague.

This highly symbolic and historically significant event brought together institutional and academic representatives from both Italy and the Czech Republic, highlighting the deep cultural and human ties that have united Puglia and the Czech Republic for decades. The event was organized by Cav. Uff. Riccardo Di Matteo, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Puglia and delegate of the consular corps for the provinces of Foggia and Barletta-Andria-Trani.

Attendees included Czech Ambassador Jan Kohout and the director of the Czech Centre in Rome, Robert Mikoláš. Speakers delved into the topic of Czechoslovak special operations launched from Italy between 1944 and 1945, carried out in collaboration with the British SOE. These missions involved sabotage, liaison, and espionage by parachutists operating behind enemy lines, many of whom departed from bases in Puglia.