Mexico City: In a triumphant moment for Tibet and Tibetans, the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people, Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration was ceremoniously welcomed and acknowledged in the chambers of the Mexican Parliament on Tuesday in the esteemed presence of the Vice President Deputy Karla Almazán.
More than a symbolism, the acknowledgement of the Tibetan leader within one of the largest parliamentary bodies comprising 500 MPs echoed a clarion call of support and solidarity with the Tibetan cause and the people —a testament to the unrelenting spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet and their unyielding perseverance in the face of violent repression for more than six decades.
Member of the Mexican Parliament, Deputy Salvador Caro, rose in the Parliament session, introducing Sikyong Penpa Tsering of Central Tibetan Administration, and extending a warm welcome on his maiden official visit to Mexico. Deputy Caro fervently voiced unwavering support for the just cause of Tibet, representing the collective voice of the Legislators Friends of Tibet.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s visit inside the chambers was preceded by another profound moment — a declaration of an official communique by Vice President Deputy Joanna Alejandra Felipe Torres, unprecedented on behalf of the Mexican parliament, solidifying the Parliament’s official stance on Tibet.
Delivering the communique, Deputy Joanna Alejandra Felipe Torres underscored Mexico Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding Tibetan cultural and religious freedom, especially advocating for the rights of Tibetan children to learn and flourish in their own language and culture. She expressed deep concern for the sufferings of Tibetans inside Tibet and iterated the wholehearted support and cooperation of the parliament towards supporting the efforts and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Among other Deputies present at the meeting, Deputy Chapman Moreno commended Sikyong’s intensive visit here in the capital, expressing hope that his visit would inspire even greater compassion and solidarity globally. Deputy Elvia Yolanda Martinez Cosio, Deputy Maria Elena Limon Garcia, Deputy Julieta Mejía Ibáñez, Deputy Rosa Maria Gonzalez Azcarrag and Deputy Corina Villegas pledged their unwavering commitment to Tibet, urging others to stand up for the just cause.
Addressing the deputies, Sikyong Penpa Tsering urged the group to institutionalize and organize parliamentary support, ensuring its long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause. He highlighted Mexico’s pivotal role as the gateway to Latin America and encouraged proactive measures to raise awareness and garner meaningful support across Latin America.
He reiterated his profound gratitude to Deputy Salvador Caro for his unflinching commitment as the President of the Legislators Friends of Tibet and Tony Karam of Casa Tibet Mexico for championing the cause of Tibet in Mexico alongside other Tibet support groups across Mexico.
Sikyong also emphasized the profound bond shared between Tibetans and Latin Americans, established through His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s multiple visits to Latin America, notably his four visits to Mexico.
He expressed profound gratitude to all deputies, especially Vice President Deputy Karla Almazán, for her presence at the meeting, highlighting the profound impact their support would have on Tibetans in Tibet and the global community supporting the Tibetan cause.
“Tibetans inside Tibet will witness your presence here, and it will serve as a profound source of inspiration for them and friends of Tibet worldwide,” said Sikyong, in his concluding words.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering felicitates Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Deputy Joanna Alejandra Felipe Torres during the Legislators Friends of Tibet meeting held in the precinct of the Mexican parliament, 10 October 2023.
