Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 13: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Zandanshatar Gombojav on his recent election victory as the Prime Minister of Mongolia. In a letter addressed to the newly elected leader, the Tibetan spiritual head recalled his long-standing relationship with the Mongolian people and expressed optimism about the country’s continued progress.
“I was able to visit your country for the first time in 1979,” the Dalai Lama wrote, “and I have warm memories of that occasion and of the several further visits I have made since then.” He praised the growing interest among Mongolians, especially the younger generation, in promoting human values and harmonizing traditional Buddhist knowledge with modern education.
Highlighting the deep historical and spiritual ties between Tibetans and Mongolians, His Holiness noted, “Mongolians and Tibetans have historically been like twin brothers and sisters. The Dalai Lamas have enjoyed a unique, close relationship with your people since the time of the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso.”
Emphasizing Buddhism’s role in shaping Mongolia’s cultural and spiritual identity, the Dalai Lama expressed hope that the new government would continue to uphold values rooted in compassion and non-violence. “The Buddha’s teachings emphasize such fundamental human values… they have the potential to be of benefit to everyone, without contradicting an individual’s personal beliefs,” he stated.
Commending Mongolia’s development across various sectors, His Holiness remarked that the nation’s achievements are especially meaningful when they enhance the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. He concluded the letter by wishing Prime Minister Gombojav every success in fulfilling the aspirations of the Mongolian people during these challenging times.
Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Mongolia was elected on Friday following a decisive parliamentary vote. He won the support of 108 out of 117 voting members in the State Great Khural (Mongolian Parliament).
This leadership change followed several weeks of political unrest, sparked by public protests demanding action over economic inequality and frustration with the perceived favoritism of the elite. These protests culminated in the resignation of his predecessor, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, who lost a vote of no confidence and stepped down on June 3.