Ladakh, India – July 28: In a rare diplomatic gesture, Czech Republic President Petr Pavel visited Ladakh on July 27 to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and express support for the Tibetan people’s rights. The visit was confirmed by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
President Pavel, accompanied by Czech Republic’s Ambassador to India Eliska Zigova and Deputy Head of Mission Katerina Petersen, was warmly received at Thiksey Monastery. The Czech delegation engaged deeply with the cultural and spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism during a tour of the historic monastery.
Backing the Middle Way Approach
Later, President Pavel visited the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Leh, where he attended a vibrant cultural reception at the Sonamling Tibetan Community Hall. In a statement to the media, Pavel said:
“It is a great honour and pleasure to visit the Dalai Lama. He has visited my country eleven times, so I felt it was important to reciprocate.”
Pavel praised the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way Approach, clarifying that the Tibetan spiritual leader is not seeking independence but autonomy within China — specifically freedom of religion, language, and expression.
“I believe it is essential for us all to support that,” Pavel said, voicing solidarity with the CTA’s peaceful resolution framework.
Historic Show of Solidarity
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the elected head of the CTA, welcomed President Pavel and called the visit historic.
“This may be the first time a national leader has come to Ladakh to meet His Holiness and engage directly with the Tibetan people,” Tsering said.
He noted the Dalai Lama’s long-standing relationships with world leaders but emphasized that a visit like Pavel’s was deeply significant and rare.
In his keynote remarks, President Pavel underscored the shared humanity between the Czech and Tibetan people, despite geographical and cultural distances.
“What unites us is our humanity… and the right to use your language, practice your religion, and preserve your culture.”
Pavel concluded with a message of hope, expressing his desire that the Tibetan people may someday return to their homeland with dignity and peace.