AUCKLAND: President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay spoke to over 250 people who have gathered to listen to him at Beach Haven Hall, Auckland. The audience consisted of people from all walks of life including Tibetans, Tibet supporters as well as several Chinese friends.
During the interaction, Sikyong focused his talk on the topic ‘China-Tibet Relations: The Past, Present and Future’ and explained that a proper understanding of China is a must to understand Tibet and the Tibetan situation.
Sikyong also spoke about the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration and its strategic relevance to solve the issue of Tibet, as well as the self-immolation protests that have rocked Tibet since 2009.
Sikyong emphasised the preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture and the fragile ecology of the Tibetan plateau referred to as the water tower of Asia for its rich resource of fresh water. Sikyong further highlighted education of Tibetan children as a priority and affirmed his Kashag’s renewed emphasis to ensure a robust development of Tibetan education.
Concluding his talk, Sikyong called on New Zealanders to express support towards the Tibetan struggle for a genuine autonomy within the Chinese state.
Following the talk, the audience expressed their appreciation to Sikyong for coming to New Zealand to meet Tibetans and Tibet supporters. Sikyong also presented souvenirs to a group of a long time Tibet supporters.
Sikyong was accompanied by Representative Lhakpa Tshoko and Mr Thuten Kessang, Regional Liaison Officer, New Zealand.
In the morning before the public interaction, Sikyong spoke to Guyan Espiner, Radio Presenter on RNZ National (Radio New Zealand), Lincoln Tan, Senior Reporter-Diversity of The New Zealand Herald and Tristram Clayton of New Zealand Herald TV.
Sikyong will fly to Dunedin city tomorrow morning.
Sikyong being interviewed by Tristram Clayton of New Zealand Herald.
Sikyong during his address to Tibetans and Tibet supporters at Auckland, New Zealand.