By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, July 18: Kenneth Juster, the US Ambassador to India met with Dongchung Ngodup, Representative of the Bureau Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Secretary Dhondup Gyalpo on Saturday. “Our close cooperation with the Office of HH the Dalai Lama continues to grow. Enjoyed my meeting with Ngodup-la, Representative of His Holiness in Delhi, and Secretary Gyalpo – partners in expanding ties between the American and Tibetan people,” Ambassador Juster tweeted.
The US Ambassador had earlier wished the Dalai Lama on his 85th birthday and extended his support to the struggle of Tibet. Prominent US lawmakers including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Jim McGovern also wished the Tibetan spiritual leader on his birthday.
US State Department tweeted on the occasion of his birthday, “Happy 85th birthday to His Holiness Dalai Lama, who has inspired the world through his peace and kindness and as a symbol of the struggle for Tibetans and their heritage. We thank India for hosting His Holiness and Tibetans in freedom since 1959 and wish His Holiness happiness.”
The US-China relationship has worsened over the last few months following the pandemic and the enforcement of the new security law in Hong Kong and offensives in the South China sea. The US citing a level-playing field banned Chinese officials responsible for keeping Americans out of Tibet under the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act (RATA), terminated Hong Kong’s special status and announced a ban on Huawei employees over human rights violations.
