BRUSSELS: Representative Tashi Phuntsok of the Office of Tibet based in Brussels, Belgium, congratulated Emmanuel Macron, new President-elect of France. Mr Tashi Phunstok is the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Western Europe, which includes France.

“The office of Tibet wishes to present its compliments to you and take this opportunity to congratulate you for your momentous election as the President of the Republic of France. Your election is a positive and historical event in the current global political uncertainty,” Rep Tashi Phunstok said.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetans and Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of Central Tibetan Administration have already felicitated you.”

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibetans have very special bonds with France and the European Union (EU). His Holiness is one of the most vocal supporters of fundamental visions of EU. As your are committed to the EU vision, His Holiness too has been applauding around the world the fundamental relevance of the European vision in this interdependent world.”

“We would like to recall your personal meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama last September in Paris. As conveyed to you by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he cherishes the meeting with lot of hope. He believes that your election would be a catalyst for the growth of the EU from strength to strength. To bring the visions of the EU to the common citizens of EU, as you envision, we believe His Holiness the Dalai Lama has a crucial role in this regard.”

“Your Excellency, the situation of Tibet is still grim and tragic. Since 2009, 149 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet to protest the repressive policies of the Chinese government.”

“We therefore urge you to earnestly impress China to resume dialogue with the envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Representative Tashi Phuntsok said.