Dharamshala: His Excellency Andrej Kiska, the former President of Slovakia, alongside Csaba Kiss, Coordinator of the Tibet Support Group, and Thinley Chukki, Representative of OOT Geneva, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 7th March 2025.

The delegation met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and members of the Standing Committee. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed with Tibetan ceremonial scarves by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Standing Committee members, and staff of the Parliamentary Secretariat. The meeting took place in the Standing Committee’s hall, followed by a tour of the parliament.

The Deputy Speaker began the meeting by introducing the Standing Committee members, providing an overview of the evolution and composition of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and briefing the delegation on the parliament’s ongoing initiatives.

During the discussion, the former President shared how reading His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s book had inspired him to serve as the President of Slovakia, and how his meeting with His Holiness further solidified his noble commitment to serving his country.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel extended a warm welcome to the former President and the Coordinator of the Tibet Support Group, thanking them for their visit. He also expressed gratitude to His Excellency Andrej Kiska, who, as the President of Slovakia, had hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Slovakia in 2016. The Speaker also recalled his own experience visiting Slovakia in 2014 as Deputy Speaker, leading a delegation of the Tibetan Parliament.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang highlighted the significance of the former President’s visit to the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration and his attendance at the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10th. She emphasized the shared experiences between Tibet and Slovakia, particularly in their geographic situations, population dynamics, and histories of colonialism. She underscored the global relevance of Tibet’s struggle, drawing attention to the parallels between the Tibetan and Slovak peoples’ histories and their aspirations for self-determination and freedom.

The meeting further discussed critical situation in Tibet including coercing of Tibetan children into colonial boarding schools, destruction of Tibetan language, culture, & religion, and others.