Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MEP Fabio Massimo Castaldo (Vice-President of the European Parliament)
Brussels: As per the program of 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to visit and meet the Parliament members, Tibet support groups, think tanks and officials all over the world as well as to garner more support for the cause of Tibet, a Tibetan Parliamentary delegation led by Parliamentarian Tsering Lhamo along with Parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende, Kunga Sotop, and Lobsang Dakpa led a Tibet advocacy tour in Belgium from 18-20 November 2019.
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation met MEP Fabio Massimo Castaldo (Vice-President of the European Parliament), MEP Isabel Santos (Member of the European Parliament for Portugal), and MEP Manuel Pizarro (Member of the European Parliament) on 19 November. They discussed the situation of Tibetans in and outside of Tibet and recent important issues related to Tibet. The MEPs assured their full support for Tibet issue and Tibetans.
On 20 November, Parliamentarians visited the Office of Tibet, Brussels in the morning and then met some dignitaries of the European Union. Afternoon on the same day met MP Samuel Cogolati (Member of Parliament from Belgium), MEP Mikulas Peksa (Member of the European Parliament for the Czech Republic), and MEP Martin Horwood (Member of the European Parliament for South West England). The Parliamentarians apprised them of the critical situation inside Tibet and presented the publications on Tibet’s issue from Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Members of the delegation also met some officials of the Belgium Government and apprised them of the destruction of Tibet’s environment, religion, and culture under the repressive policies of China. They discussed ways to support Tibetan issue in the future, the officials in response expressed their deep reverence to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and wish to support Tibetans and Tibet’s cause.
Parliamentarians held a public meeting with the Tibetans living in Antwerpen on 18 November. During the Public addresses, Parliamentarian Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende spoke on the accomplishments of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama and on the current critical situation inside Tibet. While Parliamentarian Kunga Sotop spoke on the composition and functioning of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Then the Parliamentarians answered questions asked by the public and advised Tibetans living there to stay united and take initiative on keeping the community united. The Parliamentarians also advised Tibetans living there to spread awareness on the situation of Tibet and garner support for the cause of Tibet in their own capacities.
The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation visited International Campaign for Tibet, Europe (ICT) based in Brussels on 19 November. Parliamentarians expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the ICT members for tirelessly advocating Tibet, empowering Tibetan youths in various fields, supporting the Tibetan community in Belgium, and for their effort in releasing the political prisoners of Tibet. Simultaneously, they urged the members of ICT to continue working for the Tibetan cause.
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MEP Isabel Santos (Member of the European Parliament for Portugal)
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MEP Isabel Santos (Member of the European Parliament for Portugal) and MEP Manuel Pizarro (Member of the European Parliament)
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MEP Mikulas Peksa (Member of the European Parliament for the Czech Republic)
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MEP Martin Horwood (Member of the European Parliament for South West England)
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with MP Samuel Cogolati (Member of Parliament from Belgium)
Tibetan Parliamentary delegation at the Office of International Campain for Free (ICT), Europe based in Brussel
Tibetan Parliamentarians speaking to the Tibetan community of Antwerpen
