The recent letter follows Rubio’s March 1 statement in which he extended warm wishes to Tibetans on Losar, the Tibetan New Year….reports Asian Lite News
In a significant diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sent a letter to Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), reaffirming Washington’s unwavering commitment to the Tibetan cause.
The letter, dated March 10, underscores the United States’ dedication to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of Tibetans and ensuring they can lead dignified lives without fear of retaliation.
During the ongoing ninth Tibetan parliamentary session, Sikyong Penpa Tsering acknowledged the importance of Rubio’s personal letter, calling it a historic first that further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the United States and the Tibetan people. According to a CTA statement, the letter is a testament to the US government’s deep awareness of the Tibetan struggle and its commitment to advocating for Tibetans’ human rights.
Sikyong credited the 16th Kashag, the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, the International Campaign for Tibet, and the Tibet Fund for their relentless efforts in securing aid essential for preserving Tibetan religious heritage, culture, and language. He emphasized that the CTA’s policies and initiatives must align with the broader aspirations of the Tibetan people as well as the current priorities of the US government.
The recent letter follows Rubio’s March 1 statement in which he extended warm wishes to Tibetans on Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Expressing his solidarity, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to safeguarding Tibetans’ cultural, linguistic, and religious identity.
“On this first day of the Year of the Wood Snake, we celebrate the strength and perseverance of the Tibetan community worldwide,” Rubio stated. “The United States remains committed to protecting the universal, fundamental, and inalienable human rights of Tibetans and promoting their distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage. I wish Tibetans celebrating all across the world peace and prosperity in the new year. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year.”
Despite the suspension of USAID assistance, the repeated affirmations of support from Washington reinforce the United States’ firm stance on Tibet. The CTA highlighted that such gestures illustrate the US government’s continued advocacy for Tibetan rights, even amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
