JOHANNESBURG: Secretary Tashi Phuntsok of DIIR had a meeting with Ms. Nomaindia Mfeketo, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa, yesterday.  The Minister began the meeting by enquiring about His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  The meeting lasted for 45 minutes which took place at the Minister’s office.  Mrs. Nangsa Chodon, Representative, Office of Tibet, South Africa and Mr. Guy Lieberman, friend of Tibet accompanied him.

The Secretary briefed the minister on the current visit of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the States and Switzerland.  He also drew her attention to the Middle Way Approach of the Central Tibetan Administration towards resolving the issue of Tibet.  He outlined the current repressive rule in Tibet under China.  In this context he recalled the establishment of Office of Tibet in South Africa 1997 with full support of the Government of South Africa and the then President, Nelson Mandela.

The Minister recalled her meeting with His Holiness in 1999.  While acknowledging the need for continuous persistence in our effort, she recalled the South African experience during its struggle.  She acknowledged also the need for patient dialogue and discussion.

Mr. Phuntsok emphasised the need for support for Tibetans’ non-violence struggle. He also informed the Minister about the handing over of political power by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan elected leadership in 2011.  The minister desired that relationship be continued and the contact maintained.

Report filed by: Office of Tibet, South Africa