Zurich: Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrapped up his extensive tour of parts of Western Europe late on 11 May, culminating in his second round of official visits to Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
Accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki and Phuntsok Topgyal from the Tibet Bureau Geneva, Sikyong Penpa Tsering was warmly received upon his arrival in Zurich the same night by the President of the Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, alongside members of the Tibetan community.
Beginning his rigorous itinerary on 12 May, Sikyong Penpa Tsering first visited the Aargau weekend Tibetan school. Welcomed by Tibetan children adorned in traditional attire, Sikyong engaged in the offering of Tibetan prayers led by the students. In his interaction with them, Sikyong urged the students to cherish their language and culture with a heightened sense of responsibility.
Commending the collective efforts of teachers and parents, Sikyong stressed the significance of institutions like the Aargau weekend school in nurturing the next generation of Tibetans.
Sikyong later engaged in a lively and inclusive discussion with a diverse group of students at Zurich University, organised jointly by the Student Network Tibet and Tibetan Youth Association in Europe.
The dialogue explored youth perspectives on the policies of Central Tibetan Administration towards sustainability of the Tibetan diaspora, and the strategic vision outlined by the 16th Kashag for engaging with China and the international community in pursuing lasting resolution to the situation in Tibet through the Middle Way Approach.
From Zurich University, Sikyong next visited the office of the Tibetan Community Switzerland and Liechtenstein for another discussion organised by V-TAG Swiss.
One of Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s key engagements in Zurich began on Monday as he presided over the Permanent Strategy Meeting, which was attended by the members of committee comprising Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), former Kalon Tempa Tsering and former envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen, Political Secretary Tashi Gyatso of Kashag Secretariat Secretary Karma Rinchen (Department of Security), Secretary Karma Choeying (Department of Information and International Relations), Secretary Dawa Tsering of the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), Secretary Ngaba Tsegyam of Gaden Phodrang office, and Additional Secretary Lobsang Choedak of Kashag Secretariat.
During the meeting, Sikyong and the delegates had a working lunch with Mario Fehr, Minister of Security for the Government Council of Zurich, who personally visited Sikyong at the hotel.
On 15 May afternoon, Sikyong Penpa Tsering will depart for Paris on a 4-day visit, where he is scheduled to address parliamentarians, university students, and engage in high-level discussions with relevant officials. This visit follows closely on the heels of Sikyong’s recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Legion of Honour ceremony, on 30 April.
Sikyong’s meeting with students at Zurich University organised by Student Network Tibet and Tibetan Youth Association in Europe.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering with Tibetan youth at Zurich University.
Sikyong’s meeting with Tibetan youth at the talk organised by V-TAG.
Sikyong with V-TAG Switzerland at the talk organised by the V-TAG at Tibetan Community of Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s office.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering presents a traditional Tibetan thangka a token of gratitude to Minister Fehr.
