Dharamshala: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister , H. E. Fu Ying said, doors to talk for the Sino-Tibetan dialogue always open during a lecture at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) in Oslo on Monday, 7 June.
Fu, is the second female vice foreign minister of China, and was appointed on the position in January this year. She holds responsibilities over the areas covering Europe, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan-related foreign affairs, translation and interpretation. Fu, born in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China has previously held positions like Director-General of Department of Asian Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Australia, to UK and Northern Ireland.
Fu said, “The door for talks is always open, it has been open for years – for decades, and there are difficulties and there sincerity from the Chinese side to continue the dialogue.” when asked for the Tibet issue.
“Tibet is a very remote region and it is important for Tibet to find its unique way of making economic progress, and at the same time preserve its culture and traditions. It’s a difficult process,” she said.
“At the same time the Tibetan culture is very unique, very valuable. Recently there was a National Conference on Progress in Tibet, and there will be lot of investment and lot of help. 37% of the Tibetan land is already placed under National Reserves protection, in order to protect the ecological environment. I like Tibet, I am in love with the land, and I am planning my holidays in Tibet this summer.” Fu added.
Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile while attending the lecture met briefly with the Vice Minister Fu after the lecture.
Speaker when asked for his comment on meeting with Fu said, “She seemed to be sincere and if what she said is meant with the right spirit, it could be a possible positive shift in the Chinese authorities’ approach to continue the dialogue for a negotiated settlement of the Tibet issue.”
Mrs. Chungdak Koren from the Norwegian Tibet Committee also attended the lecture with the speaker.
-Based on report by Oystein Alme, Voice of Tibet, Norway.