Dharamshala: Kalon Norzin Dolma of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) today congratulated Senator Penny Wong who was sworn in as the new Foreign Minister of Australia on Monday, 23 May 2022 following the triumphant victory of Australian Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, who has now been sworn in as the new prime minister.
In a congratulatory letter extended to the newly sworn Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kalon writes, “It is my deep pleasure to extend my warm congratulations to you on behalf of the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration on your appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs to newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese”.
“As the first foreign-born in this position, your appointment is an essential depiction of your admirable efforts as a veteran member of the Australian Labor Party and later as Minister for Climate Change and Water and thereafter Minister for Finance and Deregulation where the world witnessed some remarkable advancement in Australia’s climate policy notably your committed approach to efficiently reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emission. Your perseverance in the implementation of a policy to ensure appointment of women to senior positions in government agencies and corporations is admirable and inspiring at the same time”.
“We are grateful and thankful for the active advocacy executed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet which has been a tremendous help in amplifying the global Tibet movement”.
Kalon also expressed confidence that the Australian administration under the new able leadership will continue to enact strong policies and sanctions against China in response to the latter’s gross violation of human rights. Additionally, Kalon thanked the Australian government and people for supporting the Tibetan cause and above all for hosting the Tibetan community most of whom are former political prisoners and their families.
In conclusion, Kalon extends best wishes to Australia’s new Foreign Minister and demonstrates optimism in the new administration to leverage integrity, democracy and human rights above economic gains in their foreign policy decision.
Kalon also sends good wishes to Foreign Minister who is accompanying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to QUAD Summit 2022 and appeals to the leadership to adopt a tough approach in calling out China’s lack of transparency and mishandling of climate change.