Dharamshala, India — Spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama ongratulated Ursula von der Leyen on being elected as the new President of the European Commission.
In a congratulatory message, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Thursday congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on her victory of election as the new President of the European Commission and saying that he hopes Von der Leyen every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in making the European Union strong and a model for others to follow.
“I take this opportunity to convey to you my great admiration for the spirit of the European Union that has preserved peace among its members and in the region for more than 60 years," His Holiness wrote.
"As envisioned by its founders, in the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation that followed World War II, the European Union has put the common good ahead of the local interests of individual countries," the Nobel Peace Lureate said.
"This demonstrates wisdom and maturity in a world that has increasingly become interdependent. I have a dream that similar unions in Africa, Latin America and Asia would fortify global peace," the spiritual leader of Tibet added.
“I also congratulate you on being the first woman to serve as European commission president. It is my firm conviction that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place,” His Holiness said.
His Holiness further wished Von der Leyen every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in making the European Union strong and a model for others to follow.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is known throughout the world as a leading advocate for world peace and non-violence. His message is one of kindness and compassion to all sentient beings. Over the past 60 years, he has traveled around the world spreading a message of Peace and Universal Responsibility.
He also believes that the common aim of all religions, an aim that everyone must try to find, is to foster tolerance, altruism and love. He retired from politics in 2011. But, as one among six million Tibetans, His Holiness said he will continue to serve the cause of Tibet.
In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama along with thousands of others escaped to India, where he was given political asylum. The spiritual leader has set up a government and rebuilt monasteries where masters pass on their teachings to young monks. Tibetans in exile have succeeded in gradually rebuilding their monasteries, preserving their culture, restructuring their society and keeping it alive, in spite of the extremely difficult circumstances.
