Tokyo: His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Representative Dr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo today met former Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Abe Shinzo and parliamentarians at their offices to convey greetings from Sikyong Mr Penpa Tsering.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering in his letter thanked Mr Abe for his constant efforts during his leadership to raise the issue of Tibet and hold China accountable for its gross human rights violations in Tibet.
“Your efforts have also inspired many other Japanese parliamentarians and politicians to support the Tibetan cause which was instrumental in establishing the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group of Tibet, the world’s largest Parliamentary Support Group with 100 parliamentarians,” Sikyong said.
Sikyong further said Mr. Abe’s efforts to raise the issue of Tibet in Japan have also heralded a new era of Japan-Tibet relations marked by growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and increasing support for Tibet among the Japanese public.
Mr. Abe said he always raised the issue of Tibet during his meeting with world leaders when he was the prime minister, adding, Tibetans should direct their effort to strengthen advocacy in the European Union.
He inquired about the current situation in Tibet and expressed concern over the issue of Tibet not getting highlighted much at the international level such as during the recently concluded G7 meeting. Representative told Mr. Abe that the situation in Tibet has become more repressive and there is no freedom of movement and information as the Chinese government has turned Tibet into a police state.
Later, Representative Arya met Mr. Shimomura Hakubun, Chairman of the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet and delivered him the letter from Sikyong Penpa Tsering.
In his letter, Sikyong wrote: “Your support for the Tibetan cause reinforces and mirrors his commitment to truth, justice and freedom. We will seek your support and participation for a more collaborative global network of parliamentarians in moving the cause of Tibet.”
Representative Arya also met Mr. Nagao Takashi, member of parliament and general secretary of the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, and handed over to him the letter from Sikyong.
In his letter to Mr. Nagao, Sikyong said “You have been very active about supporting the Tibetan cause and bringing the Tibet issue in the parliament and we sincerely thank you.”
– Filed by OOT Japan