Dharamshala: As the transition to a new U.S. administration approaches, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, representing the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Tibetan people, has conveyed his heartfelt appreciation in a letter to the outgoing U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Under Secretary Uzra Zeya.
In the letter, Sikyong expressed his sincere gratitude to President Biden for his prompt appointment of the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues and for the administration’s exemplary leadership in navigating adeptly through the ever evolving global political, economic, and strategic developments.
Sikyong also extended his deep gratitude to Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, highlighting her pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-Tibet relations. Sikyong noted, “Your several intimate meetings with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to frequent engagement with the CTA leadership, to civil society and the general public, and visit to Dharamshala have not only instilled hope in our people but have also managed to push one more page in our struggle to seek a non-violent, mutually beneficial, negotiated and lasting solution to the yet unresolved Sino-Tibet dispute.”
While celebrating the enactment of the Resolve Tibet Act—which received overwhelming bipartisan and bicameral support in Congress and was signed into law by President Biden—Sikyong underscored its significance in galvanising international efforts in his letter. Sikyong noted that the passage of this Act “was a defining moment in leading efforts to work with like-minded countries to adopt similar positions.” The letter also reads, “We look forward to proactively work with the succeeding administration in implementing the enacted laws on Tibet.”
Sikyong further acknowledged the contributions of Under Secretaries Richard Verma and Kurt Campbell, expressing appreciation for their steadfast commitment to Tibet and for their genuine concern for the welfare of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Similarly, Sikyong also thanked the U.S. Department of State and its agencies, including the USAID, for extending their assistance in lobbying for the broader cause of Tibet in the Washington D.C.
“Every Tibetan inside and outside Tibet are aware of what governments and people of India and the United States means for us. We need this consistency of support until we find a solution to save this civilisation worth saving”, wrote Sikyong.
Earlier, on 8 January, Under Secretary Uzra Zeya sent a letter to Sikyong thanking him for his consultation and collaboration throughout her tenure. In the letter, Under Secretary Zeya expressed, “The Central Tibetan Administration has been an essential partner in achieving key U.S. Tibet policy accomplishments over the course of this administration, including implementing the Resolve Tibet Act; deepening international solidarity in support of Tibet; and promoting accountability for PRC human rights abuses.” She further assured, “The State Department looks forward to continued coordination with your team as we approach the Year of Compassion and look to further highlight His Holiness’ legacy and contributions to humanity.”
“I am confident that the United States will continue to prioritise the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms for Tibetans, as it has for decades, as is codified in U.S. law with bipartisan support,” the letter concluded. A few days later, Under Secretary Zeya posted a video on her X platform reflecting on her tenure as U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.
On 20 December 2021, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken designated Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya to serve concurrently as the U.S Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues as the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 mandates this appointment. Since then, Under Secretary Uzra Zeya has proactively engaged with Tibetan leadership and worked on issues related to Tibet through various platforms and initiatives.
