Brussels: Mr Tashi Phuntsok, who has been appointed as the new representative for Office of Tibet, Brussels, formally took charge from Acting Representative of Office of Tibet, Brussels, Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen.

A brief ceremony of handing over was held at Office of Tibet in Brussels today. Mr Ngodup Dorjee, Representative of Office of Tibet, Geneva, attended the ceremony as the official witness. Mr. Tsering Dhundup, Secretary, Bureau du Tibet, Paris was present to hand over the charge of that Office as well.

Guests at the ceremony included president of the Tibetan Community, and representatives from the various Tibetan associations as well as the staff members of the office of Tibet, Brussels.

During the ceremony, a customary Tibetan butter tea and sweet rice was served to all the guests. Later, the staff and the guest greeted the outgoing and the new Representatives by offering scarves.

Mr Tashi Phuntsok has dedicated more than 35 years in service of Tibetan community since 1977. He has served in various capacities in CTA, notably as the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in South Africa from 1997 – 2001. He then served as the Representative for Office of Tibet in Brussels and Paris from 2001 – 2005, and as the Chief Representative of the Southern Tibetan Settlements, Bangalore from 2010- 2012 and as the Secretary of Department of Information and International Relations, Dharamsala on 8 February 2013.

Mr Kelsang Gyaltsen, former Special Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Europe and also Acting Representative, Bureau du Tibet, Brussels, has retired recently after 30 years of service in the Central Tibetan Administration.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels –