Vienna, Austria: Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s recent official visit to Vienna, Austria, echoed a message of profound optimism for the future of the Tibetan movement. Spearheading the two-day engagements in the capital were the vibrant and dedicated members of V-TAG Austria, who guided by the Tibet Bureau Geneva, facilitated the Sikyong’s engagements with parliamentarians in Vienna, as well as interactions with Austria’s diverse youth and local media.
This youth-driven initiative not only laid the groundwork for Sikyong’s visit but also underscored the proactive engagement of young Tibetan advocates in exile in championing the Tibetan cause as the leaders of tomorrow.
In Vienna, Sikyong Tsering accompanied by Representative Thinlay Chukki, Tibet Bureau Geneva and V-TAG members, met with Member of Parliament Faika El-Nagashi, spokesperson for Integration, Diversity, and Animal Rights from the Green Party (Gruenen), who also serves on the Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committees and Dr. Gudrun Kugler of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), spokesperson for Human Rights and member of the Human Rights Committee.
During the meeting, Sikyong Penpa Tsering underscored the democratic structure of the Central Tibetan Administration, highlighting its conformity with Indian laws and its extension to the grassroots levels. He emphasized his administration the 16th Kashag policy for seeking formal recognition for Tibet’s historical independent status in order to add value to the Middle Way Approach, a policy espoused by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted unanimously by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Sikyong pointed out to the MPs that China holds no legitimacy over its rule in Tibet, hence, presses governments to officially recognise Tibet to be a part of China. He asserted that in doing so, the governments are in violation with the prohibition against recognising illegal forceful annexation, and moreover that international community have obligation to bring the illegal occupation of Tibet to end.
Sikyong also urged the MPs to lead efforts to reviving the Parliamentary friendship group on Tibet in the Austrian parliament. In response, MP Faika El-Nagashi pledged to advancing Sikyong’s appeals in the Austrian Parliament, including the prospect of reviving the parliamentary friendship group for Tibet.
Next day on 11 May, Sikyong Penpa Tsering met with Member of Parliament, Henrike Brandstötter, NEOS (The New Liberal Forum), discussing the importance of free nations upholding values of freedom and human rights they cherish, and countering the tide of authoritarianism beyond borders. Despite Austria’s geographical size, Sikyong stressed its moral duty to oppose China’s repression in Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as the Chinese people.
While in Vienna, Sikyong was also scheduled for interviews with Austrian Print media, Der Kurier, Austrian Press Agency, Die Presse, as well as an interview with Stefan Scheet, Editor in Chief Materie, a newsletter of the NEOS. Sikyong later visited the weekend Tibetan language school in Vienna and also met with Vienna City Council member Bakos.
Hours before his departure from Vienna, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged in an interactive dialogue with youth from varied backgrounds in Austria, during which Sikyong discussed a wide range of issues including the geopolitical significance of Tibet, the ever-deteriorating situation inside Tibet under the hardline policies of CCP, and the unrelenting resilience demonstrated by the Tibetan people over the last 6 decades under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sikyong also reflected on the ever-relevant message of the Tibetan cause: one of peace, nonviolence and dialogue.
Speaking about the future of the Tibetan struggle, he expressed optimism in the emerging leadership of young Tibetans, and commended the local V-TAG for setting a global example.
After the youth engagement, Sikyong met with the Tibetan community in Austria before departing for the airport en route to Zurich.
This marks Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s second official visit to Austria, the first being in November 2023.
Meeting with Members of Parliament Faika El-Nagashi, (Greens Party) and Dr. Gudrun Kugler of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP party)
Sikyong received in the historical parliament of Austria by Member of Parliament Faika El-Nagashi (Greens Party)
Sikyong’s meeting with Members of Parliament Faika El-Nagashi (Greens Party), and Dr. Gudrun Kugler of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP Party).
Sikyong’s exchange with a diverse group of youth in Austria including Tibetans
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Representative Thinlay Chukki with the honourable MPs post the meeting
Sikyong Penpa Tsering and the delegates received by Member of Parliament Faika El-Nagashi at the entrance of the Austrian parliament.
