Dharamshala: Deputies Luis Mala Valenzuela of Chile and Jose Francisco Lira Alvarado of El Salvador visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 25 May 2026 and met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.
Welcoming the deputies from Latin America, the Speaker expressed appreciation for the participation of Latin American parliamentarians in the upcoming oath-taking ceremony of the Sikyong, describing it as both significant and symbolic given the exile status of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). He also acknowledged the continued support extended by countries such as India, the United States, several European nations, Latin American countries, and others throughout more than 66 years of Tibetan exile.
The Speaker noted that, alongside sustaining the Tibetan political struggle, the CTA, under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has succeeded in preserving and protecting Tibet’s distinct cultural heritage while also bringing the Tibetan cause onto the global stage. He further spoke about the critical situation inside Tibet and warned that the newly adopted Ethnic Unity Law could severely impact Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage by eroding Tibetan identity.
Deputy Speaker Teykhang stated that the visit by the Latin American deputies sends a strong message to the international community that the CTA remains the legitimate representative of Tibetans worldwide. She added that their solidarity visit to Dharamshala demonstrates the importance of upholding international rules and principles regardless of a country’s size or power.
She further remarked that the struggles endured by many Latin American countries against cultural repression, oppression, and injustice deeply resonate with the Tibetan struggle. She emphasized that the issue of Tibet is not merely about occupation, but also about attacks on the fundamental pillars of Tibetan identity which are religion, culture, and language.
The deputies were also given a tour of the parliamentary hall and briefed on the composition and functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
