In a landmark gesture of solidarity with the Tibetan cause, the Czech President Petr Pavel strongly endorsed the Middle Way approach advocated by the Dalai Lama and said his demands from China are “very justified”.
The Czech President, who met the Dalai Lama at Leh on Sunday, told media-persons “He (Dalai Lama) is not calling for an independent Tibet. He understands the Middle Way very well, and he only wants freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of language for his own people. And I think we should all support that.”
Pavel said that the Dalai Lama specifically expresses that he is not calling for an independent Tibet. He understands the middle way very well.
The President was warmly welcomed by the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the local Tibetan community, marking one of the most significant visits by a head of state to the Tibetan settlement in recent memory.
The Czech delegation, including Ambassador to India Dr. Eliska Zigova and Deputy Head of Mission Katerina Petersen, was received at Thiksey Monastery by Sikyong Penpa Tsering and senior members of the CTA Cabinet, including Kalon Dolma Gyari, Kalon Norzin Dolma, Secretary Palden Dhondup, and Representative Jigme Jungney.
President Pavel, who met with the Dalai Lama at Shiwatsel Phodrang, described the meeting as “a great pleasure and honour,” acknowledging the deep ties between the Czech Republic and the Tibetan spiritual leader, who has visited the European nation eleven times. “It’s a great pleasure to reciprocate at least once,” the President told the media during an interaction at the reception.
The President further underscored the universal nature of the Tibetan people’s aspirations. “We came from the Czech Republic—a country so distant, so different in culture and history. But what we have in common is that we are all human beings who want to live decent, enjoyable lives and prepare the best possible future for our children.”
The Czech President visited the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Leh, where he attended a vibrant cultural program organized by the Tibetan community. Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed heartfelt appreciation for the President’s unprecedented engagement.
“This is perhaps the first time that we have a head of a nation visiting His Holiness and spending some time with us and the Ladakh population here. Your presence itself shows your support for Tibet,” said Sikyong.
In recognition of the historic visit, Sikyong presented President Pavel with a commemorative Ghoton souvenir on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration.
President Pavel concluded his visit by thanking the Tibetan community for their warm hospitality and expressing his hope that the Tibetan people will one day be able to return to their homeland in peace and freedom.
This visit marks a significant moment in international solidarity for the Tibetan cause and is being viewed as a powerful message of support for the non-violent struggle for cultural and religious freedom in Tibet.