Introduction

President Clinton and President Václav Havel of the Czech Republic meet in the Oval Office.

On December 18, 2011, upon learning of the death of Václav Havel, the Czech Republic's first democratically elected president, President Clinton said:

"His death is a loss for the Czech Republic and for human rights defenders around the world. He was an inspiration to me and I was proud to call him a friend." 

President Václav Havel became the living embodiment of the democratic ideal in Central Europe in the eyes of most Americans, including President Clinton. Havel found a kindred spirit in President Clinton, and enjoyed having in-depth political discussions. However at the root of their friendship was their shared desire for a free, democratic, and secure Europe.

This Digital Library Exhibit examines meetings, phone calls, and state visits between Presidents William J. Clinton and Václav Havel, detailing the formation of a mutually beneficial friendship. This exhibit was curated by Fulbright Scholar, Veronika Pikola Brazdilova from the Václav Havel Library, and is accompanied by archival records from the Clinton Presidential Library, English language documents from the Václav Havel Library, and other resources.