Fabian Hamilton, on behalf of the delegation, congratulated Dr Sangay on his election as Kalon Tripa, and as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet invited Dr Sangay to a meeting at Westminster during his planned visit to London in early December. There will also be requests submitted for the Kalon Tripa to meet David Cameron, Nick Clegg and William Hague. (Tibet Society will keep supporters informed of any possible public events with the Kalon Tripa.)

A discussion was held for an hour with Dr Sangay, which covered issues such as education (and the proposed scholarship scheme), long-term strategies to strengthen the exiled Tibetan community, negotiations with the Chinese government and the exiled government’s continued commitment to seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Members of the Kashag then joined us for dinner, which was hosted by Dr Sangay. MPs were able to have one-on-one discussions with Kalons (Ministers) Dicki Chhoyang, responsible for the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR); Tsering Wangchuk, Department of Health; Dongchung Ngodup, Department of Security; plus Cabinet Secretary Migyur Dorjee (a former UK Representative of the Dalai Lama),  DIIR Secretary Thubetn Samphel and Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay.

The evening concluded with presentation of khatags and mementos. The Kalon Tripa presented each MP with a genuine sample of Tibetan currency, used prior to China’s invasion in 1950. Dr Sangay said this was a reminder that Tibet had been an independent country prior to the occupation. Fabian Hamilton, in return, presented Dr Sangay with a Portcullis clock (from the Houses of Parliament). Philippa Carrick, CEO of Tibet Society, presented Lobsang Sangay with a small gift and an information pack about the work of Tibet Society and some small gifts to distribute amongst the Kalons.

Fortunately, Dr Sangay’s chauffeur was present when we departed so James Gray was unable to take the Kalon Tripa’s car for a spin as he had hoped!
Links of interest:
Tibet Relief Fund – http://www.tibetrelieffund.co.uk
Tibetan Childrens Village – http://www.tcv.org.in
Common Grounds project – http://www.commongroundsproject.org
Gu Chu Sum – http://9103.org