Budapest, Hungary: On 2 November 2025, Thinlay Chukki, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tibet Bureau in Geneva, met with Dr Katalin Cseh, Member of the Hungarian National Assembly, during her visit to Budapest. She was accompanied by Phuntsok Topgyal, Advocacy Officer of the Tibet Bureau Geneva; Tibor Hendrey, President and Founder of the Tibet Support Group (TSG) in Hungary; Tsewang Thinlay, President of the Tibetan Association of Hungary; and other long-time supporters of the Tibetan cause. The visit marked Thinlay Chukki’s first official trip to Hungary since assuming office in Geneva.

During the meeting, discussions centred on recent developments and ongoing initiatives to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet. Representative Thinlay highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s announcement regarding the continuation of the lineage and reincarnation process, the situation of the 11th Panchen Lama, and China’s expanding influence in Hungary and across Europe. The delegation also discussed the upcoming 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Hungary, the condition of Tibetans living in the country, and the presentation of the book Voice for the Voiceless, which emphasises advocacy and international solidarity with Tibet.

The following morning, Thinlay Chukki met with Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest, and later with Krisztina Baranyi, Mayor of Budapest’s 9th District (Ferencváros). Baranyi previously oversaw the renaming of several streets in 2021—including Dalai Lama Road—as a gesture of political solidarity with Tibet.

Their discussions focused on the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the ongoing human rights situation in Tibet, the environmental impact of large dam projects, and the effects of Chinese-run residential boarding schools on Tibetan culture and language. They also exchanged views on restrictions on religious freedom and preparations for His Holiness’s 90th birthday celebrations in Hungary.

Following the meetings, Representative Thinlay Chukki spoke with Kamilla Márton and engaged with local media representatives about Tibet-related developments and future advocacy plans.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Geneva