Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, embarked on a momentous official visit to Mexico City on Saturday, October 7, 2023, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between Tibet and Mexico. The visit is part of his larger Latin American tour aimed at building international support for the Tibetan cause.
Upon his arrival at Mexico City's international airport, Sikyong Penpa Tsering received a warm and traditional Mexican welcome. Deputy Salvador Caro Cabrera, a prominent member of the Mexican Parliament and the President of the Group of Legislators Friends of Tibet, was among those present to greet the esteemed guest.
The Group of Legislators Friends of Tibet is a parliamentary group dedicated to advocating for Tibet within the Mexican Congress. Alongside Deputy Cabrera, representatives from various Tibet Support Groups and long-time friends of the Tibetan cause had gathered from across Mexico, underlining the widespread support for Tibet in the region.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering tweeted in his Twitter handle that “Honored to be in Mexico where the voices of Tibetans are always echoed by unwavering support of our cherished friends. I thank one such friend Hon. Deputy Salvador Caro for hosting me & look forward to strengthening our friendship & our commitment to restoring freedom in Tibet.”
Deputy Salvador Caro Cabrera reply to Sikyong Penpa Tsering tweeted “It is a great honor to have such a leader that not only defends his people but also addresses the international issues we are facing in Mexico and the world. Thank you very much! #Tibet #China #FreeTibet #SikyongInMexico”
Sikyong's first official engagement in Mexico City was a visit to the Loseling Centre, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist institution in the heart of the city. The spiritual master of the Loseling Centre, Geshe Sherab Choephel, welcomed Sikyong and Deputy Caro Salvador with warmth and respect.
Additionally, the Abbot of Drepung Loseling Monastery, Mundgod Khenrinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten, Geshe Samten Choephel, Ven. Dorjee, and Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, the Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University, were present to receive the distinguished guest.
Sikyong engaged in meaningful discussions with the spiritual leaders and scholars at the Loseling Centre, further strengthening the cultural and spiritual connections between Tibet and Mexico. He also had the opportunity to interact with the members of the center and friends of Tibet, fostering understanding and solidarity with the Tibetan cause.
Mexico has a longstanding history of supporting the Tibetan cause and advocating for the rights and autonomy of Tibet. The Group of Legislators Friends of Tibet, led by Deputy Salvador Caro Cabrera, has been a key platform for advancing Tibetan interests within the Mexican Congress. Over the years, Mexico has passed resolutions and held discussions in support of Tibet's right to self-determination, religious freedom, and human rights, demonstrating the nation's unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering's visit further cements the strong bond between Tibet and Mexico, fostering a deeper understanding of the Tibetan struggle for autonomy and human rights in the international arena.
This historic visit by Sikyong Penpa Tsering to Mexico City holds great significance for Tibet-Mexico relations and signifies the enduring commitment to the Tibetan cause in Latin America. It is expected that this visit will lead to increased collaboration and support for Tibet within the Mexican political and cultural spheres, contributing to the promotion of Tibetan culture, human rights, and autonomy on the international stage.
Edited and collated by Team TRC