Leh, Ladakh: In a historic moment, the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration—comprising Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari (Department of Security), Kalon Norzin Dolma (Department of Information and International Relations), Secretary Palden Dhondup (Department of Home), Representative Jigme Jungney (Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Delhi), and Chief Representative Officer of Ladakh, Tashi Dhondup—received His Excellency Petr Pavel, the President of the Czech Republic, in Ladakh during his visit to the region to receive an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 27 July 2025.
Upon arrival, His Excellency was accorded a warm reception by the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration at Thiksey Monastery, where he was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India, Dr. Eliska Zigova, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi, Kateřina Petersen, and others.
The high-level Czech delegation then proceeded to tour Thiksey Monastery, immersing themselves in the profound cultural and spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Following this, His Excellency Petr Pavel received a special audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Shiwa Tsel Phodrang in Leh.
In a gesture of support for Tibetans, His Excellency also visited the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Leh and attended a gathering showcasing cultural performances at the Sonamling Tibetan Community Hall.
During an interaction with media personnel at the reception, His Excellency stated, “For me, it’s a great pleasure and honour to visit the Dalai Lama because he visited my country eleven times, so it’s a great pleasure to reciprocate at least once.” In an expression of support for the Central Tibetan Administration’s efforts for a swift resolution of the Tibet-China conflict through a mutually beneficial approach envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Excellency emphasised, “He (His Holiness) is not calling for an independent Tibet. He understands the Middle Way very well, and he only wants freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of language for his own people. And I think we should all support that.”
During the gathering with the leadership and members of the Tibetan community, Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivered welcome remarks, stating, “On behalf of my colleagues, the Cabinet of the Central Tibetan Administration, and all the leaders from the Leh area, it’s a privilege and honour for us to receive Your Excellency, the President of the Czech Republic.” Sikyong continued, “In fact, His Holiness has visited many countries—starting in 1973 in Europe, 1979 in the United States, and many other countries—and met with many heads of states and nations. But this is perhaps the first time that we have a head of a nation visiting His Holiness and spending some time with us, and also with the Ladakh population here. So thank you very much for your presence and for gracing us. Your presence itself shows your support for Tibet.”
As a gesture of gratitude, Sikyong then presented a Ghoton souvenir of the Central Tibetan Administration to His Excellency in honour of this historic visit to a Tibetan settlement and meeting with the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Petr Pavel said, “We came from the Czech Republic—a country so distant, in the centre of Europe. A country so different in culture, history, and even the present. But what we have in common is that we are all human beings who want to live decent, enjoyable lives and prepare the best possible future for our children. And we came to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama to show him our support for your cause—that is, for you to have something that may seem luxurious, but is actually a basic right: the freedom to use your language, practice your religion, and preserve your culture.”
In conclusion, His Excellency expressed, “I would like to sincerely thank you for the extremely warm welcome,” and shared his hopes that Tibetans will one day be able to return to their homeland.
