Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, May 29: International leaders and lawmakers from the United States, Taiwan, and Australia have extended congratulatory messages to President Penpa Tsering following his oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his second term as the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), widely known as the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Among the first to convey his wishes was US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Riley Barnes, who congratulated both the CTA and the Tibetan diaspora community for the successful conduct of the elections.
“Congratulations to the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan diaspora community on the conduct of the elections, and to Penpa Tsering on his re-election as Sikyong. The United States looks forward to continued engagement with democratically elected Tibetan leaders in support of Tibetans everywhere,” Barnes said.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also extended warm congratulations on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), describing the Tibetan political leader’s renewed mandate as a reflection of the Tibetan people’s trust and confidence in his leadership.
“Taiwan deeply admires the courage and determination of the Tibetan community. We laud your commitment to freedom, human dignity, and the preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage,” Lin stated, while expressing Taipei’s interest in strengthening friendship and cooperation with the Tibetan community in exile.
The All-Party Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet (AAPGT) likewise congratulated the CTA President on his re-election, reaffirming Australia’s bipartisan support for the Tibetan cause.
In a joint letter, co-chairs Susan Templeman MP of the Labor Party, Senator Dean Smith of the Liberal Party, and Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock said Penpa Tsering’s “decisive mandate reflects the confidence and trust the Tibetan people have placed in your leadership.”
“We wish you every success as you continue working to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the Tibetan people,” the co-chairs stated.
The Australian parliamentary group further reiterated its steadfast support for “the Tibetan people’s freedom, dignity, and fundamental human rights,” while advocating for a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through meaningful dialogue.
The lawmakers also reaffirmed their position that the succession or reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a matter of religious freedom and spiritual tradition, stressing that it “must remain free from any interference by the Chinese government.” The co-chairs additionally extended an invitation to the Tibetan leader to visit Australia in the near future.
