Berlin: Sikyong Penpa Tsering concluded a series of engagements in Berlin, focusing on two critical issues: addressing China’s state-run colonial boarding schools in Tibet and the safeguarding Tibetan religious freedom as well as unique Buddhist traditions, including the succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Citing the US policies on these two issues, Sikyong urged leaders in Berlin to consider similar instruments and also use multilateral forums to hold the Chinese government accountable.
A key highlight of Sikyong’s visit was his meeting with Anke Oppermann, Director of the Unit of the Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religious and Belief at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, on 7 May.
During their hour-long meeting at the Commission, Anke Oppermann briefed Sikyong on the German Federal Government’s Third Report on the Global Status of Freedom of Religion or Belief and on forthcoming initiatives by the Commission aimed at bolstering religious freedom advocacy.
Sikyong, in turn, thanked the Commission, particularly Commissioner Frank Schwabe, for his statement on Panchen Rinpoche’s enforced disappearance. Sikyong urged for sustained international attention and called on the Ministry to join like-minded nations in affirming the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a purely religious matter that should be free from governmental interference.
In another significant engagement, Sikyong Penpa Tsering met with Hon. Roderich Kiesewetter, a member of the German Bundestag who is also the representative of foreign affairs for the CDU/CSU Caucus, as well as Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Panel. Sikyong discussed the pragmatic lessons that can be learned from Tibetans in facing China’s authoritarian regime. Both reiterated their shared commitment to upholding human rights, with the Honourable MP lauding the enduring relevance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message of peace and non-violence as well as the strategic nonviolent struggle of the Tibetan people.
Throughout 5 to 6 May and 8 May as well, Sikyong engaged in closed-door meetings and round tables with high-level government officials and relevant figures. Additionally, he addressed prominent German media outlets, including Table Media, RBB Radio, DieZeit, and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, advocating for a robust European policy on China.
On 6 and 8 May, respectively, Sikyong met with key Tibetan advocacy organisations in Berlin, namely Tibet Initiative Deutschland and ICT Germany, to strategise on forthcoming projects addressing the deteriorating situation in Tibet.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s overarching message in Germany was to urge Europe, particularly Germany, to leverage its strengths in dealing with China and to draw inspiration from Tibetans in confronting the authoritarian regime. He called on Germany, as a leading nation, to champion the values and freedoms cherished in Germany.
On 9 May, Sikyong Penpa Tsering will hold a one-day engagement in Rome, Italy, followed by a visit to Vienna, Austria, on 10 and 11 May. From 12 to 15 May, Sikyong will hold closed-door meetings in Zurich, Switzerland.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, accompanied by Representative Thinley Chukki, during the meeting with Hon. Roderich Kiesewetter, member of German Bundestag, representative of foreign affairs for the CDU/CSU Caucus, and Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Panel.
During the meeting with the Society for Threatened Peoples.
A reporter from the Society for Threatened Peoples interviewing Sikyong Penpa Tsering.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Kai Mueller, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), Germany
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Reporter Anna Schiller, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Ruth Kirchner, RBB Radio.
