At a welcome reception yesterday at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Prague, United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Nicholas Merrick, greeted friends of the United States and shared with the assembled audience his agenda for his tenure as Ambassador. The event was attended by politicians, diplomats, businesspeople, and academic and civil society leaders.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Merrick underscored that his top priorities while serving in Czechia would be to serve and protect American citizens, increase security cooperation, expand commercial and economic cooperation, and advance and defend fundamental shared values including free expression, individual liberties, and democratic principles.
He said that his team and he will “focus on increasing security cooperation and encouraging greater investment in collective and individual defense so Czechia, and every country in the NATO alliance, meets capability targets and has both the means and the political will to safeguard European security now and in the future.”
Highlighting the potential for deeper trade and stronger economic prosperity, Ambassador Merrick noted we will reinforce the foundations of shared prosperity by expanding commercial and economic cooperation: “Czechia’s innovative economy and talented workforce make it an outstanding partner for American business. My goal is to expand opportunities for balanced trade and investment that deliver real benefits for both our countries.”
Thanking President Trump for his trust in nominating him to represent the United States in the Czech Republic, Ambassador Merrick encouraged the assembled group to be optimistic for the future of the U.S.-Czechia relationship while highlighting there is work to be done, noting that “a much-needed modernization of our alliances and economic partnerships is necessary to ensure they remain strong and effective for the future. I look forward to working with you to advance that mutually beneficial goal.”
Highlighting his background in sports, business, and as an educator, Ambassador Merrick concluded: “I am confident, working together with strength, teamwork, and humility, we can make our relationship stronger in the years ahead.”
Nicholas Merrick has led the United States Embassy in Prague since October 20, 2025. He presented his credentials to Czech President Petr Pavel on October 23, 2025. His biography is available at this link.