AUCKLAND: President of Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay arrived in Auckland on 30 April to begin his four-day tour of New Zealand along with Representative Lhakpa Tshoko.
Sikyong was welcomed with traditional Tibetan scarves at the airport by Mr Thuten Kesang, Liaison Officer for New Zealand Govt. and Parliamentarian under the Tibet Information Office, Mr Rinchen Dhondup, President of New Zealand Tibetan Community, Geshe Sangye and members of the Sangha and the local Tibetan Community. Sikyong’s arrival at New Zealand was also covered by the national TV Channel 1 with a brief interview aired nationwide later in the evening.
While in Auckland, Sikyong met with members of the Tibetan community and addressed the gathering for one and half hour followed by Q&A. Almost all the residents of Auckland and nearby cities were present at the gathering.
In his address, Sikyong spoke about the 15th Kashag’s five-fifty vision and the importance of investing in the education of Tibetan children. He spoke about unity as the underlying factor that will secure and strengthen the survival of the Tibetan movement in the long run. He further updated the gathering on the status of Sino-Tibetan dialogue, the latest political developments in Tibet and China’s ongoing repressive measures in Tibet aimed at annihilating the rich linguistic, cultural and religious tradition of the Tibetan people.
He also reaffirmed the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to resolve the issue of Tibet based on the Middle Way Approach.
Sikyong will fly to Dunedin on Tuesday and to Wellington on Wednesday.
In Wellington, Sikyong is scheduled to visit the Parliament and will be hosted by Gareth Hughes (Green MP). All members of New Zealand Parliament have been invited to meet Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay during the visit. Sikyong will also deliver a public talk on ‘Tibet in the 21st Century: Political, Environmental and Cultural Challenges’ at the Victoria University of Wellington.
Sikyong poses for a photo with members of the Tibetan community on arrival at Auckland airport, New Zealand.