Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA , Oct. 2: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has congratulated Shigeru Ishida, the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan, emphasizing the strong ties between Japan and Tibet while expressing hope for continued peace initiatives under the new leadership.
In his letter, the Tibetan spiritual leader expressed appreciation for the Japanese people’s support of his global initiatives. “I deeply appreciate the interest and enthusiasm that people from all walks of life have shown in my efforts to encourage the cultivation of fundamental human values such as compassion,” the Dalai Lama wrote, highlighting his work in promoting inter-religious harmony and advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.
Praising Japan’s remarkable progress, the spiritual leader commended the nation’s transformation into a global leader in modernity while maintaining its commitment to peace. “Japan has frequently taken the lead in trying to establish peace in the world. Your country’s spiritual traditions place great value on peace, and I hope you will be able to build on that during your tenure,” he stated in his letter to Prime Minister Ishida.
The Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in today’s volatile global landscape. “Particularly in these times of uncertainty and upheaval in many parts of the world, it is vitally important that earnest and concerted efforts are made to resolve problems through dialogue and diplomacy,” he advised.
Concluding his message, His Holiness expressed his wishes for Prime Minister Ishida’s success in fulfilling the aspirations of the Japanese people and contributing to the creation of a more peaceful and compassionate world.
The relationship between Japan and Tibet, both nations steeped in Buddhist traditions, has flourished over the past century. This connection was initially established when the 13th Dalai Lama met with Japanese diplomats in Beijing during the 1908 British invasion of Tibet. The bond between the two countries strengthened under the 14th Dalai Lama, who chose Japan as his first foreign destination after going into exile, visiting from September 25 to October 10, 1967. His connection to Japan has remained strong, with the Dalai Lama making over 40 visits to the country, including transit stops.
